Petition · Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Provide free access to public swimming pools for children under the age of six.
Open for signatures
82 signatures
What the petition asks
Subsidise or fully fund indoor swimming for all children up to age 6. Many pools already offer free entry for under-2s, but free access beyond that varies. Government support would ensure every child can learn to swim early, giving them a vital life skill and improving water safety nationwide.
Swimming is a life-saving skill that every child should have the chance to learn. The cost of weekly 60-minute swim sessions for two children and two adults is significant and can be a barrier for many families.
The Government should fund indoor swimming up to age 6 to remove financial obstacles and ensure equal access. It should also require all venues offering children’s swim lessons to be registered with the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
The Government should fund indoor swimming up to age 6 to remove financial obstacles and ensure equal access. It should also require all venues offering children’s swim lessons to be registered with the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
Timeline
| 1 Apr 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
82
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Opened
1 Apr 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.