Chris Best

Free swimming in Lewisham

Under 16s and Over 60s included in the Leisure Contract with Fusion

Part of the legacy of London 2012 is free swimming for any Lewisham resident who is 16 or under or 60 and over. There is now a Be Active programme for the over 60's and anyone who wants to take up the free swim offer, will need to show a valid Lewisham library card.

Fusion are managing all our leisure centres bar Downham which continues under the management of Leisure Connection. We are seen here at Downham with former world No 1 swimmer Melanie Marshall who, amonst many other achievements, claimed six medals in the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

It was so short sighted for rhe Tory-Lib Dem government to axe free swimming for under-16s and over-60s on the 31 July 2010. Figures from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport show that for the 16 and under category, there were almost 50% more new swimmers (and 5.52m extra swims) since the scheme's introduction by the Labour government.

Times are tough for families across Lewisham and parents want to know that swimming in Lewisham’s five pools in Deptford, Downham, Forest Hill, Ladywell and Sydenham is an activity for their children that won't cost a penny.