This summer, children across Cumberland are being given an unbeatable opportunity to dive into fun and fitness. Cumberland Council, in partnership with GLL and Wigton Baths Trust, is offering an exciting initiative: indoor pool swimming for just 10p per session to all school-age children (up to age 16) during the upcoming summer holiday, from Monday 21 July through Sunday 31 August.
A Summer of Swimming at Five Locations
The 10p swims are being offered at five indoor leisure facilities across Cumberland. Each venue is hosting designated sessions, with times varying between locations:
Cockermouth Leisure Centre: Monday to Friday, 1pm to 1:50pm.
Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre (Whitehaven): Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 1pm to 1:50pm; Saturdays 12pm to 12:50pm; Sundays 10am to 10:50am.
The Sands Centre (Carlisle): Extended running from 21 July to Wednesday 3 September, offering sessions Monday to Friday and Sunday, 10am to 10:50am.
Wigton Baths: A mix of morning and afternoon slots – Mondays 11am to 12pm & 3pm to 4pm; Tuesdays 11:15am to 12:15pm & 4:15pm to 5:15pm; Wednesdays 11:30am to 12:30pm; Thursdays 11am to 1pm.
Workington Leisure Centre: During the week of 21 July, Monday to Saturday, 11am to 11:50am. From 28 July to 31 August sessions run Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at the same time.
These sessions, including weekend availability at many venues, ensure that families across the area have plenty of opportunity to enjoy a swim no matter their schedule.
Championing Health, Wellbeing and Accessibility
Cllr Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, emphasised that the initiative puts “health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.” The programme not only encourages children to adopt active lifestyles but also eases financial pressures on families, thanks to its minimal cost.
Moreover, the 10p swims complement the council’s broader Holiday Activity and Food Programme, a scheme that offers a variety of activities and fully funded holiday provision for children eligible through free school meals.
Swimming as a Vital Life Skill
Tom Rice, Partnership Manager for GLL Cumberland (the council’s leisure partner), praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of swimming:
“Swimming is not only one of the healthiest activities that children can participate in but building and improving on swimming capability and confidence is a valuable life skill.”
He expressed enthusiasm for welcoming children across all sites and for the initiative’s expected popularity.
How It Works – Booking and Access
The scheme is open to all schoolchildren in Cumberland aged up to 16, and each swim session costs just 10p. This applies whether they are already strong swimmers or hoping to become more confident in the water.
To participate:
Parents or guardians attend one of the listed swims during the scheduled time.
Pay the fee (10p) at the reception desk.
Enjoy a 50-minute swimming session in a supervised environment.
No advance booking is required for these inexpensive sessions — swimmers can simply turn up. However, considering potential capacity limits, arriving early is recommended.
Supporting Families – Part of a Wider Council Effort
The 10p swim sits alongside the council’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme. Eligible children can access up to 16 fully funded activity days during school holidays, with paid-for places optional for others. Families can explore and book opportunities via the Cumberland Family Hub website at eequ.org/cumberlandhaf.
Why it Matters
Promoting Childhood Fitness: Swimming is an excellent form of low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health, coordination, strength and endurance.
Lifelong Skill Building: Swimming proficiency isn’t just sport — it’s safety. This initiative supports children in gaining confidence and competence in essential life skills.
Affordability in Challenging Times: With living costs tightening, initiatives offering affordable family activities are more valuable than ever.
Inclusive Community Engagement: Offering accessible leisure opportunities encourages social interaction and healthier habits among young people.
Local Community Reactions
Though early days, feedback on the 10p swims has already been positive from both parents and pool operators:
Parents appreciate low-cost opportunities during a typically high-cost summer.
GLL and pool staff are enthusiastic about making swimming more accessible and fun for local children.
Cumberland Council is eager to see strong take-up and is open to expanding similar initiatives in the future.
Tips for Families
Check swimming times before heading out – each site has slightly different schedules.
Arrive early – these sessions may be popular, and spaces may fill fast.
Bring swim essentials: costume, towel, goggles, and maybe a water bottle.
Consider combining a 10p swim with other festive or community activities nearby for a full family day out.
More Than Just a Swim
Cumberland’s 10p summer swims reflect the region’s deep commitment to affordable, healthy and community-focused activities. By making pools accessible and encouraging youngsters into water-based fitness, the scheme builds on broader council efforts — from free holiday activities to future investments in new sports hubs — supporting active, well-rounded lives for children growing up in the area.
With just a few weeks left until the official launch on 21 July, and plenty of free or nearly free fun on offer, now is the perfect time for families to plan some splash-filled days out. OnInTheLakes.co.uk strongly encourages local households to take advantage of this fantastic summer resource, dive into vibrant community life, and perhaps even ignite a lifelong love for swimming.
