Safe summer swimming

It can be difficult keeping children occupied in the school summer holidays. If the weather is warm there is also the temptation to cool off in rivers and lakes. This can be dangerous, so we encourage people to swim at locations with lifeguards.

We have listed below the details of schemes that offer some opportunities for young people to swim for free during the summer holidays.

Space

Space is a positive activity programme for young people aged 8 to 17 that runs during the school summer holidays. As part of this they are offering access to swimming at various swimming pools across the county. Parents can register for event and activity news on the Space website before availability goes live on 20 July.

The leisure centres included in this are:

• My Active in Cheadle, Biddulph and Leek
• Dimensions and Fenton Manor Leisure Centres in Stoke-on-Trent
• Jubilee 2 in Newcastle-under-Lyme
• Freedom Leisure at Stafford and Stone
• Everyone Active at Uttoxeter, Cannock, Rugeley and Meadowside (Burton-on-Trent)
• Leisure Centres in Codsall, Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge and Wombourne
• Active Lichfield at Lichfield and Burntwood

*Please note that Space leisure centre passes do not provide access to swimming lessons. These are open swimming sessions at life guarded pools.

The Staffordshire Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

The Staffordshire Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) offers free holiday activities and healthy meals for children and young people aged 5 to 16 who receive benefit-related free school meals.

Children can enjoy exciting activities, make new friends, stay active, and receive a healthy meal during the school holidays, all in a safe and supportive environment.

There are swimming opportunities through the following programmes:

Koala Klubs Cheadle Camp
South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Stoke-on-Trent
Ages: 5 – 12 years
21 Jul – 28 Aug 2026

Time4Sport Seabridge All-Stars & Pool!
Seabridge Primary School, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Ages: 4 – 13 years
20 Jul – 21 Aug 2026

Time4Sport Rowley Park & Pool!
Rowley Park Primary Academy, Stafford
Ages: 4 – 13 years
20 Jul – 20 Aug 2026