Free Swimming - about time too

I have been discussing the need to introduce free swimming for many years. As the son of a soldier I spent much of my childhood in Germany where most medium to large towns have fantastic smimming pools that put ours to shame (indoor and outdoor) but they offer free swimming for children during the summer holidays (I can't confirm whether this is still the case - but it certainly meant I spent loads of time swimming when I was a child).

The Government are right to move this issue forwards. As ever, there is further explanation needed about what strings will be attached and how it is funded. I would also argue that if the reason for this is to create healthier lifestyles, then why not offer free swimming to children first because that seems to be where the biggest concerns are.