THE number of youngsters taking advantage of the Assembly Government's free swimming initiative has fallen by almost 190,000 in four years, Welsh Conservatives have learned.

Official figures show that the number of under-16s using the scheme dropped from 807,838 in 2004/5 to 618,344 in 2007/8.

Shadow Sports Minister and Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies today called for the Labour-Plaid Assembly Government to explain the fall and what it is going to encourage more youngsters to use the opportunity to swim for free during school holidays.

The Assembly Government initiative was launched in March 2003 as a pilot and went nationwide soon afterwards.

Welsh Conservatives have supported the scheme as part of efforts to promote healthier lifestyles across Wales.

But the sharp drop in youngsters taking advantage of free swimming has prompted fears that the Assembly Government is not doing enough to promote it.

Paul Davies AM said:

"I am concerned at the significant drop in numbers taking advantage of free swimming for the under-16s over the last four years.

"This is a government initiative we have always supported and continue to do so in order to promote healthier living among young people.

"I am pleased that so many young people have taken up the offer for a free swim over recent years.

"That is important as we all work to try and create a healthier country.

"Children across Wales cannot help but be inspired by the likes of David Davies whose swimming medals at the last two Olympic Games have shown just what can be achieved through swimming.

"The Assembly Government needs to explain why its free swimming scheme appears to be less popular than when it was launched.

"Ministers need to work with local authorities to ensure it is properly promoted, and also that there are sufficient facilities available across Wales so children can take advantage of it.

"I am pleased more older people are using a similar scheme for the over-60s.

"But it is even more important that children get into the habit of exercise which will improve standards of health into adult life.

"A large amount of public money is going into the free swimming scheme.
Ministers must do all they can to ensure it delivers the right results or risk seeing the initiative sink without trace."