An investment of £250,000 will remove any financial barriers to participation and encourages children and young people to engage in regular physical activity.

Working in partnership with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, the turn up and swim initiative will be offered from 1 April 2026.

Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources, Kevin Carr, said: “Increasing access to swimming supports physical wellbeing, builds confidence in water, and promotes healthy habits from an early age.

“It also aligns with wider ambitions to improve health, reduce inequalities in access to sport and create more inclusive leisure opportunities for families across the area.”

Anyone under the age of 16 who wants to have a free swim should turn up at the pool of their choice and present a form of ID, such as their Young Scot card, to take part. Certain times and dates may be unavailable so please check before travelling.

The investment is part of an almost £40 million funding boost after political groups came together to agree the Budget for People and Place in South Lanarkshire for 2026-27.