School holiday support as pools open doors without charge
Families in North Lincolnshire will again be able to make use of free swimming over the school break as the council restores its Summer Daze scheme from 20 July to 30 August. The offer covers children and young people aged 16 and under and is available at public pools in Brigg, Barton-upon-Humber, Crowle and Scunthorpe, alongside Epworth Swimming Pool.
North Lincolnshire Council describes the scheme as a way to help households keep costs down during the six-week break while enabling children to stay active in a supervised environment. The programme also includes family sessions, allowing parents, carers and grandparents to get in the water together, and a weekly Summer Daze SEND swim tailored for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
“The summer holidays should be a time for children and young people to enjoy themselves, stay active and spend time with friends and family,” said Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council. “Bringing back free swimming gives families practical support that can make a real difference during the six-week break.”
The council emphasised that sessions will be shown on individual pool timetables, and advised families to check times before travelling. All activities are part of the council’s wider approach to provide low-cost, positive opportunities for young people during the holidays.
Where and when sessions are running
Free swims for under-16s will be scheduled across the council’s leisure facilities and a community pool. The scheme runs from Saturday 20 July until Friday 30 August.
| Venue | Town/Area |
|---|---|
| Leisure centre pool | Brigg |
| Leisure centre pool | Barton-upon-Humber |
| Leisure centre pool | Crowle |
| The Pods | Scunthorpe |
| Riddings | Scunthorpe |
| Epworth Swimming Pool | Epworth |
Timetables will include both general free swim sessions for under-16s and family swim opportunities. A weekly SEND swim will run as part of the programme to ensure children and young people with additional needs can enjoy the water in a supportive setting.
- Dates: 20 July – 30 August
- Eligibility: children and young people aged 16 and under
- Included: family sessions and a weekly SEND swim
- Locations: pools in Brigg, Barton-upon-Humber, Crowle, Scunthorpe (The Pods and Riddings), and Epworth
- Advice: check pool timetables before travelling
Why it matters for local families
Swimming remains one of the most accessible activities for young people, with benefits spanning physical health, confidence in and around water, and social interaction. By removing admission costs over the holiday period, the council is aiming to ensure more children can access local facilities close to home and take part in structured, supervised sessions.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and young people, said: “Summer Daze gives families the chance to enjoy time together for free while encouraging children and young people to stay active throughout the holidays. We want every child to have the opportunity to make the most of the summer, whatever their circumstances.”
The return of the free programme follows strong community interest in low-cost, family-friendly activities during the longer break. With multiple venues offering sessions across the area, families in market towns and Scunthorpe neighbourhoods alike will have options within reasonable travel distance. The inclusion of family and SEND-specific swims is intended to broaden participation and provide a welcoming setting for a wide range of needs and abilities.
How to take part
All Summer Daze sessions will appear on each venue’s published pool timetable. Families are encouraged to plan ahead, check session times, and arrive in good time for popular slots. Standard pool safety and supervision arrangements will apply.
For residents, the message is straightforward: throughout late July and August, there are free opportunities for children and young people to swim locally, with options for whole-family sessions and a dedicated weekly offer for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
