Nottingham City Council’s free-swimming campaign for under-16s is now live, providing free swimming spaces during school holidays from July 2026 to February 2027. Backed by £197,000 of investment, the programme is helping more children and young people across the city access swimming.
In the first week of free-swimming sessions, 1,396 children took part across the city. Since bookings opened on 20 July, 3,511 free-swimming bookings have been made for sessions throughout the school holidays.
The scheme runs across 49 school holiday days, offering free, structured public swimming sessions at all six Active Nottingham leisure centres, which are part of Nottingham City Council: Clifton, Djanogly, Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Ken Martin, Southglade and Victoria Leisure Centre.
(Pictured left to right: Cllr David Mellen with Rana, at Harvey Hadden Sports Village)
Sessions run on weekdays during Nottingham school holidays, excluding bank holidays, at Clifton, Djanogly, Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Ken Martin, Southglade and Victoria Leisure Centre. Support is also available to help children who are non-swimmers or who lack confidence in the water.
The scheme is open to Nottingham City resident school-age children under the age of 16. In line with the Pool Admission Policy, children under eight years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult or person aged 16 or over, who will be able to attend at no cost.
(Pictured left to right: Ola at Southglade Leisure Centre with Cllr David Mellen)
Councillor David Mellen visited Victoria Leisure Centre, Southglade Leisure Centre and Harvey Hadden Sports Village this week, where he met young swimmers and saw the free sessions in action.
Cllr David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “It was fantastic to meet children and families enjoying these sessions and to see the programme in action. Swimming is an important life skill and a great way for children to stay active, healthy and confident.
“By removing the cost barrier and offering sessions at leisure centres across Nottingham, we are helping more young people enjoy the water during the school holidays. I would encourage Nottingham City families to book a free session and get involved.”
Sessions are available to book now. Families can view session times, eligibility information and booking guidance on Active Nottingham’s website, through the Active Nottingham app or by visiting an Active Nottingham leisure centre.
The programme forms part of Nottingham City Council’s wider work to support children and young people in being active, healthy and safe, whilst reducing inequalities across communities.
(Cllr Mellen pictured right with a family attending free swimming at Victoria Leisure Centre)