Make a splash at our leisure centres this summer

We have launched a new Summer Splash programme to ensure that no child in Richmond upon Thames is priced out of keeping happy and active through swimming. 

Councillor Alan Juriansz, Vice-Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee and Lead Member for Sport said:

“No child should be priced out of learning to swim. It's not only a great way to be active and stay healthy, but it is also an important life-saving skill. With the River Thames at the heart of our borough, we are lucky to have many water-based activities our residents can get involved in, including rowing, paddleboarding and sailing. Being able to swim is a necessary skill to be able to participate in many of these great things on offer.

“Our Summer Splash programme is just one way we are looking to make our leisure services fairer and available to everyone.”

As part of the programme which will run at Pools on the Park and Teddington Pools, free Summer Splash crash courses will be available to children across school years 5, 6 and 7 who have not attained the KS2 requirement to swim 25m confidently and perform safe self-rescue.

If you believe your child is eligible for our free crash courses and you have not already been contacted by their school, email swimschool@richmond.gov.uk.

Summer Splash general swim sessions will also be made available to any child in the borough. These sessions will be at a discounted rate of just £1 which can be redeemed with a valid Leisure and Youth Card.

 Anyone under the age of 16 who lives or is educated in the borough is eligible and can apply for a free card .

Summer Splash general swims can be booked via the LBRUT Sports App, the online bookings website, by calling 020 3772 2999 or in person at the centre up to seven days in advance.

Find out more about the Summer Splash offer.

Further support

Discounted gym and swim memberships are also available to residents receiving Universal Credit and range of other benefits including Housing Benefit, Income Support and Carers Allowance.

Our leisure discounts and offers follow other initiatives to support residents of Richmond upon Thames with the cost of living, including:

• A £3 million support package
• Our Fuel Grant Scheme
• Our Cost of Living Directory

Visit the Richmond Cost of Living Hub for the latest information on what is available nationally and locally as well as details of the borough’s network of Community Spaces and free support calculator.

You can also sign up to receive cost of living support updates straight to your inbox.