What assessment has the Minister made regarding the impact of the decision to end the free swimming initiative, following the independent review which declared it was no longer fit for purpose or cost effective, in respect of trends on participation levels and the health of older citizens?
In July 2018, following a comprehensive review, an independent evaluation concluded the free swimming initiative was not fit for purpose and did not provide value for money. One of the key findings that led to that assessment was that only 6% of the 60-plus age group across Wales took up the offer. In response to the evaluation, the initiative was changed to focus on younger people and those facing disadvantage.
The implementation of the new free swimming initiative was interrupted by the pandemic and the post-pandemic operational challenges local authorities have been managing. However, a subsequent independent evaluation, published in January 2022, reported the new initiative represents an important ongoing part of the swimming ‘infrastructure’ of Wales, and can add considerable value to Wales-wide efforts to promote health and well-being.
The national free swimming advisory group monitors the impact of the new initiative and is exploring the recommendations of the most recent evaluation in the context of the ongoing energy and cost-of-living crisis. One of those recommendations is to explore how it can be aligned with the 60-plus active leisure scheme, to maximise the impact of both interventions on the health and wellbeing of people aged 60 and over.