Upcoming pool improvements
We are going to be redecorating the pool and installing new boilers at SWFLC, meaning the pool will be closed and showers will be unavailable for a time. Work starts on Monday 4 November and is planned to finish by Saturday 21 December 2024. You can read more about the SWFLC improvement works and what it means for you. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Swimming at SWFLC
Tone the body and relax the mind with swimming at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre (SWFLC).
You can enjoy a lane swim or bring the family to a fun swim. With sessions such as musical splash, there is something for everyone!
Our pool is fitted with a moving hydraulic floor, which allows us to split the pool into two. We can offer anything from a 25m main pool to a smaller shallow pool.
Our changing facilities are suitable for everyone, and include a changing places changing room. We also have a pool hoist for those who need a little help to get in to the pool.
We have been making improvements to the process of booking multiple tickets for our popular swimming sessions. In order to make this possible, family tickets are no longer available, but you are now able to book multiple tickets under one login or account.
At least one member of your party must have an ourChelmsford account before being able to make bookings online. The quickest and easiest way to book is using our free Chelmsford City Sports app, available to download from Google Play or the App store.
If you want to view our timetable more than seven days in advance, you can download the Chelmsford City Sports app.
Musical splash is a fun parent and child session in the pool, with toys and musical sing-a-long, led by a qualified swimming instructor.
The sessions are for pre-schoolers and their accompanying adults. Every child must be accompanied by an adult. You must have one adult for every child.
Sessions run every Wednesday from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.
- ourChelmsford Lite Card holders: £7.40
- ourChelmsford Plus Card holders: £6.40
Please book this through the child's ourChelmsford account.
Peak times
- Monday to Friday, from opening to 9am and 5pm to close
- Saturday and Sunday, from opening to 12pm
Off peak times
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to close
Peak
- Standard: £7
- Discounted (under 21s): £6.50
- Under 5: £1.70
Off-peak
- Standard: £6
- All discounted: £5.50
- Under 5: £1.70
Spectators
- Standard: £1.70
- Discounted: £1.60
Save money by upgrading to an ourChelmsford Plus or monthly Premium membership.
Peak
- Standard: £5.70
- Discounted (under 21s): £5.20
- Under 5: free
Off-peak
- Standard: £4.70
- All discounted: £4.20
- Under 5: free
Spectators
- Free
Save money by upgrading to a monthly Premium membership.
You can book most swimming sessions in advance, or you can also turn up on the day and book a ticket at reception, subject to availability.
How to book
- book online or via the app with an ourChelmsford card
- book by calling 01245 605600
- book in person when you visit SWFLC
You can book swimming:
- ten days in advance if you have a monthly membership
- seven days in advance if you have an ourChelmsford Plus card
- two days in advance if you have an ourChelmsford Lite card
Group bookings
At least one member of your party must have an ourChelmsford account before being able to make bookings online.
You can find more information about group bookings.
Cancellations
If you can't attend a session that you have booked onto, you need to cancel at least two hours before it starts either cancelling online or by calling 01245 605600. We will charge you the full amount for the class if you do not cancel in time, or if you do not attend.
Safety ratios
To keep everyone safe, we operate adult to child ratios and maximum capacity at our swimming pools.
If your child is seven years or under, they can’t use the pool by themselves.
A person 16 years or over can accompany:
- one child that is under four years
- two children that are under four years if they are wearing buoyancy aids, such as armbands or a float suit
- two children that are between four and seven years.
Swim nappies
Children who usually wear nappies, must wear a swim nappy in the pool. You can purchase these from reception.
Baby changing
The group changing areas have baby changing facilities available.
- If you want to use a locker, you will need a £1 coin to release the key. You will get the £1 back when you return the key.
- There are individual changing cubicles as well as group female and group male changing areas available.
Other swimming activities
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Join OurTeam
Interested in a career in leisure? Apply for one of our diverse opportunities across all four centres.
