The National Sports Centre’s board of trustees have today announced the opening of the Island’s first 50-metre swimming pool.The pool is part of the new $23.4 million National Aquatics Centre located in the heart of Bermuda National Sports Centre on Frog Lane in Devonshire.Sean Tucker, chairman of the Bermuda National Sports Centre, said: “For Bermuda, with a population of just over 64,000, to have a 50-metre pool puts us in a very strong position by international standards.“Our research has determined that a 50-metre pool is available for approximately every 590,000 people in Canada, every 700,000 people in USA and every 1.2 million people in the UK.“From this perspective, it is phenomenal that we have been successful in opening such a facility in Bermuda.“The new National Aquatics Centre will cater to everyone in Bermuda and is available for use by master swimmers, those wanting to enjoy a fun-filled day at the pool, seniors, school students and everyone in between.“This world-class facility provides the perfect opportunity for the community to get active as swimming is a great workout for your entire body and, because it is low-impact, it is a good form of exercise for all levels of fitness and ages.”The fresh water pool, maintained at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, is fitted with a movable bulkhead to allow either eight lanes of 50 metres or 16 lanes of 25 metres.The bulkhead will be adjusted to accommodate 50 metres at specific times throughout the week. These additional lanes triple the island’s existing public swimming capacity.A diving well is combined within the pool beneath a diving tower with boards at 3, 5, 7.5 and 10 metres.Facilities at the centre include showers and changing rooms, a sunbathing area, classroom and birthday party area, as well as a food concession. A giant floating slide and two fun obstacle courses are also available to book for parties, schools, as well as during scheduled public sessions.The facility was designed with consideration given to both leisure and competitive usage following consultation with stakeholders groups, including Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association (BASA).It will be the primary multi-sport host venue for the NatWest Island Games taking place from July 13 to 19, with the centre as the host venue for all aquatic activities.The swimming pool was built to meet the standards of FINA, the international governing body of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronised swimming and open water swimming, and is currently awaiting official certification.It will be open to the public from 7am until 7pm from Monday to Saturday and 7am until 5pm on Sundays during the summer months.Winter opening hours will be subject to demand.Entry fees are: $15 for adults; $12 for youngsters (age 13 to 18) and seniors (age 65 and over); and $8 for children (age 6 to 13). A family ticket is available for $32 for two adults and up to four children.Money-saving multipack swim packages of 10 tickets are also available, as well as monthly passes.The new centre has created ten jobs for Bermudians, including eight lifeguards. Four more jobs will be added this summer.The completion of the 50-metre swimming pool represents the end of the first phase of the National Aquatics Centre project.As part of this initial phase, the plumbing and infrastructure for a further 25-metre, six-lane warm-up and teaching pool has been put in place to allow for the facility to be constructed at a later date, subject to funding being secured.The completion of a warm-up pool would allow Bermuda to host the Carifta Swimming Championships.