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On the day you can also take part in general swimming sessions, fun sessions and competitions at our four pools – Barton, Blackbird Leys, Ferry and Temple Cowley.  

 

The Big Splash mascot, Trunx, will also be there as well as Swim Fit instructors to advise you on how to use swimming as part of a fitness regime. Swim School instructors will also be on hand to give information about swimming lessons.

 

Councillor Mark Lygo, Board Member for Parks and Sports, says: “Swimming is a great way to keep fit and something that you can enjoy with all the family.

 

“The Big Splash will be an opportunity for families to try out their local pools or continue using the facility and get the chance to win some prizes.”

 

Kim Brady, Head Swim Teacher at Ferry Leisure Centre, says: “This is a great chance for everyone to come to their local pool have a free swim, take part in a fun session or learn more about swimming. 

 

“Swimming is fantastic for all the family from the smallest children to grandparents. The water supports the body preventing injuries and also adds resistance to make exercise more effective. So I would encourage the family to come and take advantage of this free day.’

 

Lisa Darnell, Aquatic Officer for The Amateur Swimming Association in Oxfordshire, adds: “Oxford City Council’s Swim Sunday is a great way for the whole city to get involved with Big Splash. Big Splash has already got 13 million people across Britain celebrating swimming by taking part in events, like Swimathon, finding out what your local pool has to offer, benefiting from fantastic money saving offers and winning some great prizes. With all the activities on offer in Oxford what a great way to make a Big Splash yourself.” 

 

The programme for the day includes:

 

• Big Splash Family Swim - Trunx Family Challenge

Free session suitable for the whole family with Trunx. setting challenges for the session.

Barton Leisure Centre – 9.30am to 11am

Ferry Leisure Centre – 4.30pm to 6pm

 

• Beat the Lifeguard Swim Challenge

Free swim challenges for 25m, 50m and 100m. 

Temple Cowley Pools & Fitness Centre – 10am to 11.30am 

 

Free Fun session with an amazing inflatable obstacle course.

Ferry Leisure Centre – 10am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 2.30pm. 

 

A free general swim session suitable for all; if you find the sunken treasure you will win a prize.

Barton Leisure Centre – 11am to 12pm. 

Blackbird Leys Pool – 12.45pm to 1.45pm. 

Temple Cowley Pools & Fitness Centre – 3.30pm to 5pm. 

Ferry Leisure Centre – 5pm to 6pm 

 

Free fun water workout, taking the gym to the pool based on the latest Zumba dance craze.

Blackbird Leys Pool – 11.30am to 12.30pm

Barton Leisure Centre – 3.30pm to 4.30pm

 

A chance to experience the thrill of competing in a Gala, this Gala is for children in swimming stages 1-8.

Ferry Leisure Centre – starting at 11.30am – latest finishing 12.30pm

 

A swimming gala hosted by the City of Oxford Swimming club, free entry to watch with opportunities to learn about club swimming.

Temple Cowley Pools & Fitness Centre – midday to 3pm. 

 

A qualified Swim Fit instructor will be on hand to offer 1:1 advice on how to use swimming to enhance your health and fitness programme.

Barton Leisure Centre – midday to 1.30pm. 

Temple Cowley Pools & Fitness Centre – 4pm to 5pm. 

 

Free fun session with balls and pool mats.

Ferry Leisure Centre – 12.30pm to 1.30pm and 3.30pm to 4.30pm. 

 

Fastest Bronze, Silver or Gold distance in each age group win a prize: Bronze 50m, Silver 75m and Gold 100m. Age groups: under 10, 11-14 year olds, 15-18 year olds, post 18. Prizes include a free Big Day Party and free months membership.

Blackbird Leys Pool – 2pm to 3pm 

 

A chance to try this fun high energy game played across the width of the pool. The shallow end option is open to all; for deep end option swimmers must be stage 6 or above.

Ferry Leisure Centre – 2.30pm to 3pm. 

 

A free fun session for juniors involving floats, mats and inflatables.

Blackbird Leys Pool – 3pm to 4pm. 

 

• Big Splash Synchronised Swimming

Taster Session. Try your skills with this introduction to synchronised swimming, only suitable for swimmers who have reached at least stage 6.

Ferry Leisure Centre – 3pm to 3.30pm. 

 

No bookings are required for the sessions but for further information please call your local pool.