One of the foremost swimming pool complexes in the West Country, the Crewkerne Aqua Centre was opened in1997 by the Princess Royal. It is run by a not-for-profit Trust and its unique management mix of skilled professional staff and well trained, friendly volunteers ensures that its many visitors are prepared to travel from a wide catchment area to enjoy the pleasant ambience and friendly experience.
 

In 2007 an Active Lifestyle Centre was added to the complex, comprising a state of the art gymnasium, an attractive dance/exercise studio and a suite of consulting rooms for use by a variety of therapists and health professionals.

Crewkerne Aqua Centre is open to all and offers activity for all ages, literally from babies to senior citizens. Each year around quarter of a million people visit the Aqua Centre. Regular users are able to purchase Activo membership which offers significant discounts and savings.

SWIMMING POOLS

Two pools are available, a 25m by 9m main pool and a 9m by 5m learner pool. A range of sessions to meet most needs are available throughout the week.

• General Swimming:  The pools are open to anyone during these times (subject to normal entry conditions) and are ideal for families as well as people who cannot easily visit the centre at other times.

• Dawn Busters:  For those who are looking for a great way to start the day, dawn busters is available each weekday morning between 6.30am and 9.00am.

• Fun Sessions:  Fun sessions offer a selection of large foam mats and toys in both pools and are popular with families and groups of friends. They normally take place on Friday evenings from 7.00pm until 8.00pm and at weekends between 11.30am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

• Lane Swimming:  Lane swimming is available from 12  noon until 1.30 during weekdays and from 12.30 until 1.30 at weekends. There are a few additional sessions available during early evenings (see timetable). The sessions are generally intended for adults who prefer to swim up and down the pool in a more controlled environment without the problem of other bathers cutting across or diving or jumping in from the sides. Three lanes are available, slow, medium and fast with the middle lane allocated for the fastest swimmers.

• Aquarobics:  One day time class and three evening sessions of Aquarobics are offered each week. These water-based classes are suitable for all levels of fitness and are ideal for anyone who wishes to start an exercise class and enjoys being in the water. Since the exercise can take place in the shallow end, non-swimmers can participate although you should advise the instructor if you cannot swim. The classes are fun and take you through a series of exercises to improve posture, flexibility and muscle tone. They offer a good cardio-vascular workout and, being water based, they reduce the risk of joint impact during exercise. Senior Aquamove for over 50s concentrates more on mobility and flexibility.

GYMNASIUM

The gym, which was opened in 2007 offers 32 stations of modern equipment designed and supplied by Technogym, one of the country’s leaders in fitness equipment. The gym utilises the successful WELLNESS system which enables all users to access their exercise programme from the computer with their own personal key. All staff are fully qualified through REPS (register of exercise professionals) and you will be given full advice on how to use the equipment and an exercise programme to meet your specific needs.

ACTIVO MEMBERSHIP

Although the centre is open to the general public, regular users will find it beneficial to take an Activo Membership which offers significant discount on the pay as you go rate. Staff will be happy to discuss the various options to suit you or your family.