Young people and senior citizens across the UK took advantage of more than 4.4 million free swims in the first three months of the government's £140m free swimming initiative, according to new figures.

The scheme, which forms part of plans to create a lasting sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is the result of a partnership between five government departments. More than 250 local authorities have signed up the the initiative, which incorporates more than 1,000 swimming facilities and is designed to offer more than 20 million people aged under 16 years old or over 60 years old.

During the first three months of the scheme, 1.6 million senior citizens took advantage of the free swimming initiative being offered by 259 local authorities, while young people made 2.8 million visits to pools as part of the scheme offered in 190 local authority areas. Culture secretary Ben Bradshaw said: "It shows how the government is using London 2012 to give sport a real lift and working in partnership with local councils of all political persuasions to get more people more active.

"This is proof of our commitment to securing long-term benefits from the Olympics and Paralympics - along with record investment in school sport and half a billion pounds now going to sports' governing bodies to deliver schemes to increase participation." Health secretary Andy Burnham added: "Getting moving in the water makes your whole body work that little bit harder than on dry land - so activity in the pool is a great way to get your active minutes."