UNDER eights can make a splash for free at pools in Southampton in a bid to get youngsters active.

From today children under eight will be able to swim for free at Bitterne Leisure Centre and The Quays Diving Complex.

The charity Active Nation, which operates the pools, has launched the twomonth trial to get kids back in the pool and exercising.

Last year free swimming for under 16s and over 60s was scrapped by Southampton City Council as the Government pulled the plug on funding.

The Conservative-led council then handed over the running of the pools to Active Nation in October last year on a 15-month contract.

Active Nation has now decided to reintroduce the scheme for under eights to swim free when accompanied by a paying adult, and it says the policy could become permanent if there is enough take-up.

Nearly 16,000 Southampton youngsters took advantage of the free swimming pledge between 2009 and 2010.

Last year the Daily Echo launched the Beat the Bulge campaign after we revealed the city’s above average obesity levels cost the city a staggering £147m a year.

Mark Learnihan, contract manager for Active Nation in Southampton, said: “At a time when so many families are struggling to find money to spend on leisure time we are giving them the opportunity to use some of the great facilities that we have available to us in Southampton.”

Cirty leisure boss Councillor John Hannides, added: “With the 2012 London Olympics just around the corner there is no better time to get involved with a new sport, and maintain a healthy active lifestyle.”

Oaklands pool continues to be council owned and does not currently have any concessions.

n As part of the planned industrial action today, Bitterne will be extending public swimming times from 11am-4pm and 6pm- 8pm.