PEOPLE aged 60 and over will soon be able to swim for free at three Suffolk Coastal pools following the launch of a government-backed scheme to promote fitness.

PEOPLE aged 60 and over will soon be able to swim for free at three Suffolk Coastal pools following the launch of a government-backed scheme to promote fitness.

Older swimmers can register for the scheme from March 16 onwards at Felixstowe Leisure Centre, Deben Swimming Pool in Woodbridge or Leiston Leisure Centre, and will be able to swim for free at the centres from April 1.

Council cabinet member Mary Neale said: “Suffolk Coastal and DC Leisure's free swimming scheme, which is set to run until March 2011, is perfect for anyone aged 60 and over who has been looking for an excuse to take to the water once more.

“Nationally, swimming is the second most popular recreational activity after walking, and the promotion will remind the district's older residents, especially those who have fallen out of the habit of regular exercise, of how invigorating and fun swimming can be.”

Mrs Neale said swimming could help improve health to combat problems such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

Simon Tappenden, contracts manager at Felixstowe Leisure Centre, said: “Swimming is one of the best all-round forms of exercise, and is particularly good for people with mobility problems or those who wish to protect their joints.

“Giving older adults the opportunity to swim for free is an ideal way of encouraging them to lead healthier, more active lives.”

People who register for the scheme - for which government funding has been received - will be given a free swimming card.

For more information people should contact Simon Tappenden at Felixstowe Leisure Centre on 01394 670411 or e-mail simontappenden@dcleisure.co.uk

Should there be more free provisions for older people? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk