Young people aged under 16 are being reminded that they can have a splashing time during the summer holidays – for free.

Manchester City Council has maintained its commitment to free swimming for both the under 16s and the over 60s despite national funding being withdrawn.

Government funding was put in place in place in 2009 to enable everyone aged 16 and under or over 60 to swim for free at public swimming pools as part of a drive to encourage more people to be active and healthy.

But when government scrapped the funding in 2010, Manchester City Council put in place a contingency plan to keep its free swimming scheme afloat.

Since the scheme was launched in April 2009, more than 21,000 under-17s have registered and as of February this year more than 166,000 separate swim visits have been recorded.

In addition, just under 6,000 over-60s have signed up for free swimming passes.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "With the summer holidays round the corner, it’s the perfect time for the under-16s to take advantage of free swimming in Manchester. Although the Council has faced very severe financial pressures, we recognise the enormous health benefits of swimming which is why we’re proud to maintain this scheme.

"And with Manchester-based elite swimmers set to play a key role in the London 2012 Olympics, maybe this initiative will help some stars of the future get in the swim.”

Free swimming is available to all Manchester residents at all of the city’s public swimming pools. To register, pick up an application form from your local swimming pool or download from www.manchestersportandleisure.org/swim-free