Launched to coincide with the summer holidays, Better leisure centres across the UK are offering under 16s the chance to swim at over a hundred of leisure centre swimming pools for just £1 per session.

The ‘Kids for a Quid’ initiative will enable youngsters to swim for the reduced rate between 9am and 10am every day throughout the summer break.  The initiative will then move to weekend sessions after the start of the autumn school term.  It means than for the price of a first class stamp (95p) a tube of Pringles or a portion of McDonald French fries, children can enjoy a healthy, social activity within a supervised environment.

Joseph Rham, Customer Experience Director for Better leisure centres said: “We’re delighted to be introducing the 'Kids for a Quid 'initiative this summer.  Keeping children entertained during the long holiday period can be both challenging and expensive.  That is particularly true this year, when many families are really struggling in the face of an unprecedented cost of living crisis.  We hope that this initiative will provide a low cost, enjoyable activity that everyone can afford, while keeping youngsters active and engaged.”

In addition to being a fun extra-curricular activity, swimming is also an essential life skill.  The UK sees over 400 drownings in rivers, lakes, canals, ponds and the sea in a typical calendar year. In fact, drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death in under 16 year olds, underlining the fact that everyone should learn the basics of keeping afloat.

For those wishing to do more than have fun in the pool, tuition for every level of swimmer from complete beginner to the more experienced is available through Better’s Swim School. Lessons and courses are open to all ages and take place both during term-time and school holidays.