KEEPING the kids occupied and active over the summer doesn't have to cost you a penny extra if you send them swimming thanks to Welsh Labour.
Local leisure centres across Wales are offering FREE swimming sessions and lessons to children and young people under 16, thanks to the Labour Assembly Government's school holiday free swimming scheme.
The £2.5m idea has proved a great success - with more than two million swims taken up around Wales since Labour introduced the scheme in 2003.
Minister for Education, Children and Young People JANE HUTT said:
''This summer, and every school holiday, it's the kids who can splash out so Mum and Dad don't have to. Children can get fit, stay active and have fun over the school holidays without parents getting hit in the pocket.
''Welsh Labour wants to see more children and young people using their local leisure centre. Free swimming is a way of making sure every local child gets a chance to use the pool or even learn to swim over the holidays.
''It sends out all the right messages to children about staying fit and active. Labour is committed to encouraging healthy lifestyles which are so important for the health of the nation.
''I am particularly pleased that the highest take up of Labour's free swimming scheme has been in Communities First Areas in West Wales and the Valleys - where the numbers have shot up by 101%.
'The whole point of this Welsh Labour idea is to help families that might have been put off by the cost to use and enjoy their local leisure centres. I am delighted the scheme has proved to be a huge success for many families in these communities and hope this continues.''