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Pool closures

The small pool at Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre is closed until further notice.

Free swims for school-aged children returns for October half-term

free swimming
Published: Monday, 18 October 2021

Free swimming for school-aged children during school holidays will return for the upcoming half-term.

The half-term availability is part of Havering Council’s commitment to 60,000 free swimming sessions for school aged children and young adults until summer 2022.

The free sessions, which proved to be very popular during the recent summer holidays are now available to be booked in advance at Sapphire Ice and Leisure, Central Park Leisure Centre and the recently opened Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, complete with a 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool and a 20-metre-wide learning and diving pool.

A total of 16,302 free swimming sessions were booked during the six-week summer holidays with some slots and locations slightly more popular than others, so it may be worth considering earlier swims sessions if availability is limited at peak times.

Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:

"Free swimming is an opportunity to keep our younger residents fit, active and healthy during the school holidays.

“It has been really satisfying to see how popular the free sessions have been over the summer and I’m sure this will remain the case during the upcoming half-term.

“Leisure is at the forefront of the Council’s ambition and we see free swims as an example of our continuing investment in facilities, which directly benefits young people and their families.

"We recognise that keeping younger family members occupied during school holidays is a challenge, and free swimming makes it free and easy for young people to enjoy our great facilities.”