100 Great Yarmouth children offered free swimming lessons for a year

The children will join the award winning Learn to Swim programme at the newly opened Marina Centre at no cost*; and will also be provided with swimwear, a towel, goggles and a swim bag.

Aimed at children aged 5-11, Freedom Leisure has launched the initiative in partnership with leading swimming brand, Zoggs. Martin Marsh, Freedom Leisure Area Manager - Great Yarmouth said: "We understand that throughout the cost of living crisis, families are having to make tough choices on how they spend disposable income. Through this partnership with Zoggs, we are delighted to be offering 100 children in the borough the opportunity to learn to swim for free."

Darren Lovelock - Zoggs Head of UK Sales said: "Zoggs passionately believes that swimming is an essential life skill. Not only does it have the potential to save lives, it also offers a host of physical and mental benefits. At Zoggs we want to help give all children the opportunity to learn to swim. The facility to reach those in need of lessons at a local community level is a primary driver behind Zoggs' long-standing commitment to the leisure environment."

This initiative is the latest example of Freedom Leisure's commitment to the local community. Working in partnership with Great Yarmouth Borough Council and other partners across the borough, Freedom Leisure offers an extensive Healthy Communities programme to ensure that every member of the community has the ability to access physical activity.

A spokesperson for GYBC said: "This is a fantastic scheme from both Freedom Leisure & Zoggs. It will give local children a great opportunity to learn to swim at the wonderful new Marina Centre in what is undoubtedly a very tough time financially for families. We are very grateful & thankful for Freedom Leisure's support & commitment to the local community."

Councillor Emma Flaxman-Taylor, chair of GYBC's housing and neighbourhoods committee said: "We are grateful to Freedom Leisure and Zoggs for this fantastic opportunity. It is hugely important that as many children as possible have the chance to learn how to swim. And, with the provided equipment and lessons, this is a real boost for our community at the fabulous Marina Centre."

For further information and to register interest in the initiative, please contact: hcgreatyarmouth@freedom-leisure.co.uk

*terms and conditions apply.