WHY HAS THE SCHEME BEEN SET UP?
It is linked to our strategy where efforts are focused on establishing interventions that enable people to make healthy choices that contribute to achieving a healthier population. This scheme has been put in place to help tackle the effects of maternal obesity where it is recognised that obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse health outcomes for both mother and child. What’s more, obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of life-long health problems in children, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

WHERE CAN I SWIM?
At any one of our 5 Active Lifestyle Centres. These are located in Bradley Stoke, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Thornbury and Yate. Eligible customers will be able to access the public swim sessions at any of these Centres.

IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO SWIM DURING MY PREGNANCY?
Yes. Swimming is a highly beneficial way to stay active during pregnancy and can be performed safely in all three trimesters. Widely recognised as a low‐impact method of aerobic exercise, swimming provides a more comfortable environment for expectant mothers to maintain their physical health – as the water both keeps them cool and supports the additional weight. In addition, researchers are now discovering that regular aerobic exercise during pregnancy has the potential to improve the mental and physical health of children well into adulthood.

MY EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE LASTS FOR A YEAR AFTER THE BIRTH OF MY CHILD, CAN I SWIM FOR FREE UNTIL THIS DATE?
No. The scheme has been set up to help women be more active during their pregnancy and benefit from a more active lifestyle for themselves and their baby. The end date for being eligible for free swimming will be set at 3 weeks after the applicant’s due date, and not the full-time period on the maternity exemption certificate.

DO I NEED TO SHOW MY MATERNITY NOTEBOOK (YELLOW BOOK), OR MATERNITY EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE, OR MATB1, EACH TIME I ATTEND?
No. Once you have shown proof of eligibility on your first visit, and have registered at one of our Active Lifestyle Centres, you will be given a Free Active Card which you will need to gain access on each visit. Access to free swimming sessions is only through the presentation of a valid Active Card at the Customer Service Desk.

CAN I TAKE PART IN AQUA, OR OTHER CLASSES, WITH MY PREGNANT WOMAN FREE SWIM MEMBERSHIP?
No. Free-swimming in pregnancy refers to public swimming sessions only and does not extend to aqua fitness classes or swimming lessons.

CAN I ACCESS THE SMALL POOL WITH MY TODDLER USING MY PREGNANT WOMAN FREE SWIM MEMBERSHIP?
Yes. You will be able to swim for free using your free swimming in pregnancy membership. There is an entry fee for toddlers and babies aged under 3 years.  (They will need to wear a swim nappy. These are available to purchase from reception.)  Click here to view our swimming pool price list.