London's Islington Council and Aquaterra Leisure have joined forces to offer free swimming sessions to young people aged 16 or under at Archway Leisure Centre, Cally Pool and Highbury Pool.  The free swims are available during any casual or fun session from Tuesday 24 July - Sunday 2 September.  The initiative is part of Islington Council's drive to help young people get more active and interested in sport during the Olympics.

Islington Council's executive member for leisure, Janet Burgess, said:

"We want to make Islington a fairer place for everyone.  These free swimming sessions mean that all young people in Islington have a chance to get fit and enjoy themselves for free this summer."

Young people who want to take advantage of the free Islington swims must register for a Swim Card at one of the three participating pools. Those already in possession of a Swim Card or Junior Izz Card should continue to bring this along with them on every visit. For more information on how to register, go to www.aquaterra.org/islingtonfreeswimming 

Antony Kildare, Chief Executive of Aquaterra Leisure, said:

"2012 is the year to really encourage young people in the borough to get active and we're delighted to be able to support our partners Islington Council in offering the positive health benefits and fun that swimming brings to as many youngsters as possible." 

From 24 July adults can also benefit from free swimming by entering Aquaterra Leisure's prize draw to win either a year of free swimming lessons or a year's free swimming membership for ten young people.  Details can be found in the reception areas of Archway, Cally and Highbury swimming pools.

Earlier this year, the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) launched a campaign to get more schools to make swimming part of their physical education lessons. A recent survey commissioned by the ASA found that 86 per cent of Islington school children complete the Key Stage 2 swimming level.