MORE than 11,000 children have already been registered for free swimming at Dudley borough’s three leisure centres during the school summer holidays.

Dudley Council bosses said they were delighted the offer – announced last week to encourage youngsters to stay active, keep fit and help beat the boredom – had made such a big splash.

It allows free admission after registration at Dudley Leisure Centre, Halesowen Leisure Centre and Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge during public swimming times.

Free swimming will start today (Saturday, July 21) and finish on Sunday, September 2 – the day before most children return to school.

Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I am absolutely delighted so many children have been registered for free swimming since we announced the initiative a week ago.

“As a council we are very keen to promote initiatives that encourage children in our borough to stay fit, active and healthy.

“It is safer to swim at your local leisure centre, supervised by lifeguards, rather than unsupervised in open water such as lakes, canals and reservoirs.

“We also hope it will lead to quality family time spent together – you can’t take phones or tablets into a swimming pool – with the offer of a cheap, fun day out.

“If you haven’t already I would urge parents and children to get signed up – and get swimming.”

Registration must be completed in advance and parents can sign their children up at www.freeswimindudley.co.uk, or at any of the borough’s libraries.

Sessions outside of public swimming times, such as Aqua Run at Halesowen, are not included and children will have to pay as normal for those, while children and families are advised to turn up early to avoid queues during peak times – particularly at the Crystal.