When does free swimming start?
It's happening at your local swimming pool NOW!

Who is eligible for free swimming/How do I qualify?
The scheme is available to all children who live in a home where the council tax is payable to Birmingham City Council, OR who attend a Birmingham (LEA) school AND are aged over 4 and under 16.

Who should complete the application form?
Parents or guardians must complete and sign the form. However, unless the child already has his/her own Leisure Card, he/she must be present at the leisure centre when the application is made, as a photograph of each child is necessary for office purposes.

Does my child have to take a test to join the scheme?
NO.

However we do encourage children to still either prove they can achieve Swim25 by providing equivalent certificates or taking a Swim25 test at a local pool then their achievement being recorded on their card. There will be prizes and other incentives put in place to encourage children to achieve Swim25.

Details of the Kids Swim4Free Swim25 standard

How old do they have to be to take the test?
Children aged 16 and over are not eligible for Kids Swim4Free. Swim25 is not age related so any child of any age can achieve it. We do, however, have to monitor the number of children who achieve Swim25 by key stage 2 in order to meet the LPSA2 target set by the government. Any child who manages to gain Swim25 will also be eligible to win a prize.

How much will the tests cost?
The swimming pool and school tests are free. Testing will be available through school swimming sessions if your child’s school runs them. Testing sessions will also take place at Birmingham City Council swimming pools, for more details contact the pool direct.

Who will be carrying out the tests?
The testing will be carried out by qualified swimming instructors in schools or at city council pools. The instructor will fill in a form to confirm that your child has achieved Swim25 and all you need to do is take this form to the reception desk along with the Kids Swim 4 Free card.

When is testing available?
Testing will be available through school swimming sessions if your child’s school runs them. Testing sessions will also take place at Birmingham City Council swimming pools, for more details or to book on to a testing session contact your local pool direct.

Testing sessions should be available on a regular basis through out the year.

Where can my child take a test?
Testing will be available through school swimming sessions if your child’s school runs them. Testing sessions will also take place at Birmingham City Council swimming pools, for more details contact your local pool direct.

My child has already passed Swim 10 does he/she have to take another test?
No. However, as Swim25 meets the national curriculum requirement and LPSA2 target for getting children swimming, we do encourage children to still either prove they can achieve Swim25 by providing equivalent certificates or take the Swim25 test at a local pool and have their achievement recorded on their card. There will be prizes and other incentives put in place to encourage children to achieve Swim25.

How far does my child have to swim/what is Swim25?
Your child doesn’t have to be able to swim to join the Swim4Free scheme. However, to be in with a chance of winning one of the great prizes your child must achieve Swim25.

In order to achieve Swim25 your child must be able to complete the following;

• Jump in to deep water
• Tread water for 30 seconds
• Swim 25 metres with confidence from deep to shallow water
• Climb out safely

What proof will there be that my child has achieved Swim25?
The qualified swimming instructor who conducts your child’s test will fill in a Standards Achievement Form confirming the correct standard has been met. Then all you need to do is hand in this form with your Kids Swim 4 Free card and a note of your child’s achievement will be added to their card.

My child has a Strokes certificate/school award/ASA/STA award; do they still have to take a test?

They don’t have to take a test but they will need to provide evidence of achieving their relevant swimming distance plus skills award. This must be shown at the swimming pool reception.

The child’s parent or guardian must complete the Standards Achievement. Then hand the form with your Kids Swim4Free card in at the reception of your local pool and a note of your child’s achievement will be added to their card.

My child had a Swim4Free card but can’t find it; can he/she still swim for Free?
Yes. The postcard you received in the post has your child’s existing leisure card number on it. If you take that to reception next time you visit your local pool the receptionist can issue a new number/card, which transfers their details to the new card.
NB: Until 30 th November 2006 any cards that have to be reissued will be done so free of charge. After this date normal fees will stand as usual.

My child cannot yet swim. What should I do?
Not a problem your child can still join the Swim4Free scheme.

What if my child can swim to a higher standard than is required for Swim25?
Swim25 meets the national curriculum requirement and LPSA2 target for getting children swimming. If your child can swim to a higher standard then all you need to do is take the relevant distance and water skills certificate in to reception at your local pool along with a completed Standards Achievement Form and your child’s details will be updated on their card.

What if my child has a disability which affects their ability to achieve all of the requirements within Swim25?
Teachers and coaches will show due consideration and make reasonable adjustments to ensure children with a disability have fair and equal access to the scheme. Any concerns should be bought to the attention of the teacher/coach prior to the test taking place.

Will my child have to take another test?
No. Swim25 is the only test that children will be asked to achieve, but this is not mandatory. There will be prizes and other incentives put in place to encourage children to achieve Swim25.

My child is no longer eligible according to the criteria for Kids Swim4Free; can they still retain their card?
No, children still have to be under 16 and either attends a Birmingham LEA school or live at an address that pays the council tax to Birmingham city council.

If my child is not signed up for Kids Swim4Free is it too late to now?
No. Kids Swim4Free is an ongoing scheme so as long as your child is eligible then they can still sign up. Children can enrol onto the scheme without taking a test and their card will be valid until their 16 th birthday.

Is Kids Swim4Free just for the school holidays?
No. The Kids Swim4Free card allows children to swim for free during general swimming sessions at anytime whether it is term time or during any school holiday.

My child has achieved Swim25, how does he/she get their prize?
Children who achieve Swim25 between October half term and 12th November will be sent their prize in the post.

From week commencing 13th November sites will be issuing prizes from reception when they achieve Swim25, by either completing a swim test or providing appropriate evidence (see equivalent awards section)

All children who have achieved Swim25 (or above on the old scheme) will be entered into a prize draw. The prize draw will take place in January.

What if my child already has a leisure card?
Simply take the Leisure Card to any one of Birmingham City Councils leisure centres or swimming pools, along with any relevant swimming awards. Complete the Swim4Free application form (or download a copy here) and the Kids Swim4Free membership will be added.

NB Your child will not need to have his/her photograph taken again.

Where can my child take part in free swimming?
Free swimming is available at all Birmingham City Council swimming pools. List of Council Pools.

Is free swimming available all the time?
Free swimming is available at different times at different pools. At certain times, pools are reserved for adult use only. Customers should check with their local pool for details.

Does my child need his/her Leisure Card for each visit to the pool?
Yes. A valid Leisure Card must be produced every time a child swims. Without the card, normal charges will apply.

I have more than one child. Does each have to apply for a card separately or can all the children be covered by one card?
Every child must have his/her own Leisure Card. Cards may not be used by other children.

How long is my child entitled to free swimming?
The Kids Swim4Free card is valid until their 16th birthday. (see terms & conditions)

Is Kids Swim 4 Free just for the school holidays?
No. The Kids Swim 4 Free card allows children to swim for free during general swimming sessions at any time whether it be term time or during any school holidays (subject to availability at your chosen pool)

Does free swimming apply to swimming lessons?
No. However, we offer quality swimming instruction through the Strokes programme. Some sites offer learn to swim courses during school holidays. Check with your local pool for further details

Can parents swim free with children?
No adults must pay.

What is a leisure card?
A Leisure Card is free to anyone who wants to use Birmingham City Council's leisure centres and swimming pools. When it is used for activities that you have to pay for you can accumulate points which can be redeemed against other activities.

Do parents have to accompany children?
All children under 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged over 16 (at a ratio of two children per adult).

Is proof of my child's ID required?
No. However, the application form signed by a parent or guardian and each child must also have his/her photograph taken as part of the application process. ID can be asked for under certain circumstances (see terms & conditions)

What does it cost for an adult to swim?
The price ranges from £2.40 To £3.00 according to the size of the pool and the other facilities available at the centre. Please note, Passport to Leisure customers pay half normal prices. More information on Passport to Leisure