If you’re under 16 or over 60, we’ve got swimmingly good news for you, you can swim for free at Medway Park, Strood Sports Centre, Hoo Sports Centre and The Strand.
How to get involved
Please visit reception at one of the below sites and apply for a free swimming card:
What you need to take
- your Medway Council Tax bill as proof of residence
- senior ID as proof of age, birth certificate, driving licence or passport
- child ID as proof of age, birth certificate or passport
- small passport-sized picture (this does not need to be official, you can cut a photo to size).
In busy periods on reception you may be asked to return to collect your card on your next visit.
Renewing your free swimming card
If your free swimming card has expired, you must re-apply in the same way as you apply for a new swimming card.
How to go swimming
Once you have taken your documents into reception, you will be issued with a free swimming card that you need to show each time you visit the centre. This is a free swimming programme and not a membership, if you do not show your card on arrival charges will apply.
Swimming pool admission policy for children
Children under 4
Children under 4 years of age must be accompanied in the water by a responsible person over the age of 16 on a 1:1 ratio.
The ratio becomes 1:2 if any child under 4 is wearing a suitable buoyancy aid that is ‘kite marked’ or carries a BS EN number.
Buoyancy aids accepted under this policy are those that fully support the child's weight in the water and remain secure in and out of the water. For example:
- armbands
- a float jacket
- suit.
Buoyancy aids that are handheld, such as floats, are not considered appropriate.
Children aged 4 to 7
Children aged 4 to 7 years of age must be accompanied in the water by a responsible person over the age of 16, with no more than 2 children per responsible person.
Responsible person over the age of 16 may supervise up to 3 children aged between 4 to 7 years of age in the teaching pool or a designated ‘controlled area’, such as a boom pool or laned off section of shallow water.
Children aged 8 up to 11
Children aged 8 up to 11 years of age must be accompanied into the facility by a responsible person over the age of 16 years.
The responsible person is not required to enter the water but must remain within the facility and supervise the children.
Children aged 11 and over
No accompaniment is necessary.
Swimming lessons
This scheme is for free swimming sessions only not Medway Sport Swimming lessons.