The Free Swim Initiative (FSI) is a Welsh Government-funded programme delivered by Sport Wales through Local Authority Partners. Following an independent review of the current initiative, it concluded that the current scheme needs to change.

Isle of Anglesey County Council has been working with Sports Wales and Swim Wales to develop a programme that fits with the new national objectives whilst also delivering against the needs of local communities.

From the beginning of October Anglesey County Council’s Free Swimming funding will be dramatically reduced (up to 50% reduction). As a result, this will affect the free-swimming provision we can provide.

We greatly value our customers and appreciate that for some, free swimming has enabled them to access a service that would not have been accessible previously. As an authority, we have worked hard to minimise the impact to current users following the changes set out by the Welsh Government.

From Monday 4th November members 60 years or older will no longer be able to access all public swimming sessions throughout the week free of charge. 

However, members 60 years or over will be able to access the following specific public swimming sessions free of charge:

• Amlwch Leisure Centre: Wednesday 12:00 – 13:00 & Friday 08:00 – 09:00
• Holyhead Leisure Centre: Monday 08:00 – 09:00 & Friday 08:00 – 09:00
• Plas Arthur Leisure Centre: Tuesday 11:45 – 12:45 & Thursday 08:00 – 09:00

We regret to announce that our over 60s members will also no longer be able to access adult swimming lessons free of charge. We understand that this will be disappointing to some of our customers but due to the funding cut set out by the Welsh Government this, unfortunately, isn’t something we will be able to offer.

For members who wish to access swimming regularly we do have the following options:

Off-peak direct debit membership: This membership costs £19 per month and would allow users to access swimming pools during public times, the fitness rooms, fitness classes and squash (up to 15:30 Monday – Friday and all day during Saturday and Sunday). You can also pay £190 in a one off payment for this package for 12 months (this would save you £38 per year).

Swimming weekly ticket: This would cost current leisure card members £6 per week and would allow access to the swimming pools during all public times Monday – Sunday.

Swimming pay as you go: This would cost leisure card members 60 years and over £2.50 per session.

We are pleased to announce that the family free public swimming sessions at Amlwch, Holyhead and Plas Arthur Leisure Centre will not be affected and will remain free of charge (normal T&Cs apply). Free Summer holiday activities such as snorkelling, mats and balls and family fun in the pool will also remain unaffected. However, we will be unable to offer these activities during other school holidays due to the cut in funding.

We understand that this will be a big change for some of our customers and if you have any further queries please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff or contact: Monactif@anglesey.gov.wales 

Ends 3.10.19