Children and young people across Knowsley will be able to continue accessing free swim sessions at local Volair sites during the school holidays, after Knowsley Council confirmed funding for the next two years.
The free swim sessions have proved hugely popular since they were launched as part of the council’s commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles for children in 2024. The scheme aims to remove the financial barriers many children and families face to participating in regular physical activity.
During the programme period (12 August 2024 – 23 February 2025), a total of 8,719 free junior swim places were delivered across Volair’s four sites. This has also had a positive impact on the overall number of children accessing health and fitness sessions at Volair, with a 17.5% increase when compared to the previous year – which equates to an additional 13,457 visits from 0-16 year olds.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have confirmed further funding for this fantastic programme.
“It is clear that over the last year the scheme has had a huge impact on the number of children and young people accessing health and wellbeing sessions and taking up swimming in the borough.
“By removing the financial barrier to these swim sessions, not only are we providing young people with a free fun activity to take part in during the school holidays, but we are also ensuring that they enjoy active and healthy lifestyles.”
Darren Simpkin, Volair’s Managing Director, said: It’s great to see the programme continuing, which provides an enjoyable healthy activity option for our junior population locally. The positive response we have had, and the uptake of the sponsored free offer demonstrates it has clearly gone down well with residents.”
Accessing free sessions this half term
Young people aged under 16 will be able to access free sessions during public swimming times from Saturday 24 May until Sunday 1 June.
Participating Clubs include:
- Volair Halewood, Baileys Lane, Halewood, L26 0TY
- Volair Huyton, Longview Drive, Huyton, L36 6EG
- Volair Kirkby, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, L36 8SA
- Volair Stockbridge, The Withens, Stockbridge Village, L28 1AB
How it works
All budding swimmers aged 16 and under will be able to access free swimming at a Volair site during the school holidays. Free swimming will be available during advertised sessions and children will need to register as free Volair member to attend.
All children under 8 must accompanied by a parent. Parental supervision is also required if a child needs one-to-one assistance or has limitations in the water. Adult swimming costs £6.00 per session.
SEND Swimming
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will also be able to access dedicated swimming sessions if they require a more relaxed environment. These sessions have limited capacity to ensure that those attending feel comfortable and can enjoy the pool.
Volair Stockbridge
Friday (school holidays only) – 6-7pm
Saturday – 2-3pm (ongoing)
Sunday – 2-3pm (ongoing)
Volair Kirkby
Sunday – 5pm – 6pm
Find out more www.volair.org.uk/