Lord Mayor of Manchester, Mavis Smitheman will today pick up her own pass to be able to swim for free.
From June 1 all people over 60 will be able to swim for free with the launch of the new scheme.
Manchester is the first city council in England to offer such a comprehensive package for the over 60s.
Everyone over 60 in the city will be eligible for free swimming in Manchester's pools including the flagship Manchester Aquatics Centre. The overall aim is to increase the number of people over 60 in the city who swim regularly as part of the Healthy Ageing Strategy.
The Lord Mayor said: "Swimming is a great past-time and this pass is great news for everyone over 60. I'll certainly be looking forward to popping down my local pool more often."
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Arts and Leisure, said: "Swimming is a fantastic past time and a great way to keep fit. Manchester's Valuing Older People Programme, Manchester Primary Care Trust and Manchester Leisure have joined together to reach an agreement to provide funding for free swimming for people aged 60 or over. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise and in Manchester we are lucky enough to have some state of the art pools."
Dr Sally Bradley, Director of Public Health for Manchester Primary Care Trust, said: "Free swimming will give all older people in the city the chance to swim more. Swimming helps to reduce high blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease. It also tones the body and improves muscle strength, posture and flexibility."
Councillor Basil Curley, Executive Member for Adult Services added: "This is great news for Manchester residents. Swimming has many health benefits including helping people to lose weight -a swimmer can burn as many calories in an hour as a runner can in 6 hours. It is also quite a relaxing pastime giving mental health benefits.The launch of free swimming for older people is a great scheme that can be enjoyed by simply completing a quick form."
Councillor Val Stevens, deputy leader and lead member for valuing older people, added: "This is a great idea - I would encourage all residents over 60 to apply for their free pass, get down to their local pool and start enjoying the many health and social benefits of swimming."
To register all you have to do is complete a simple form, which are available at your local pool or leisure centre. The scheme begins next week and initially runs for one year and will include access to all Manchester pools including the Aquatic Centre and the Forum.
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