CHILDREN will be given the opportunity to swim for free at swimming pools in Dunbar, North Berwick, Haddington, Tranent, Prestonpans and Musselburgh this summer.

Youngsters aged under 18 will be able to swim for free at the swimming pools on weekdays between 9am and 3pm from Monday, June 28, until August 6.

Get into Summer is a Scottish Government-funded initiative to help children, young people and families have fun throughout the summer holiday period.

The activities in the scheme have been planned to help children and young people who have been particularly affected by the pandemic to make the most of their summer and connect with others.

Outwith the dedicated free swim hours, standard admission swim prices will apply.

Due to social distancing measures, each of the swimming pools continue to require pre-booking for all swim sessions.

Bill Axon, enjoyleisure chief executive, said: "Swimming is an essential life skill for all ages, this is even more important for coastal communities like ours.

"After such a devastating year of closures and restrictions, we are incredibly grateful that through the Get into Summer fund, we can provide free swimming for children across our facilities.

"We look forward to welcoming as many children and families as possible so they can benefit from the health, physical and mental benefits that swimming and leading an active lifestyle brings, all while having fun.”

Councillor Jim Goodfellow, East Lothian Council cabinet member for community wellbeing, said: "Get into Summer funding has given us the opportunity to support projects and activities that would make a real difference to the wellbeing of children and young people.

"Using the funds to provide free swims during weekdays will give many families the opportunity to enjoy the county’s pools, have fun with friends and be active.

"I am delighted that the council was able to support enjoyleisure through Get into Summer funding and I am sure it be very well received.”

The Get into Summer free swims scheme will run until Friday, August 6.

Find out more about all the activities taking place in East Lothian here: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/get-into-summer and for information about swim session schedules visit enjoyleisure.com.