MONTEGO BAY, St James – Children in Montego Bay and its environs who wish to learn to swim in a safe place now have a new place to do so, after NEST pre-school officially opened its $5 million facility on Park Avenue, off Leader Avenue in Montego Bay on Tuesday.

The 38 by 14 foot pool is three-and-a-half feet deep at the deepest end, has been described as “an ambitious effort” by Parent Teachers’ Association president Georgia Wilson, after a brief official opening ceremony.

Principal of NEST, Maxine Morgan, told the Jamaica Observer West that the facility was “a learn-to-swim pool and not a competition pool,” adding that it would be open to children and adults in Montego Bay.

“From the first time I came here four years ago, I looked at the area and thought it would be fantastic to build a pool here …I said I would do this for the children,” said Morgan.

“I was further inspired as when we went to the other pools for the children to learn to swim, in my opinion, they were far too deep and the children would not feel secure if they can’t stand in it, so we decided to build this.”

She added that the institution is contemplating building a competition-size pool on the grounds of the school.

“I have the space here, and I am hoping and praying in time … We are just starting our swim programme and it is my hope that the children will participate in absolutely everything. I want them to be rounded and be confident and competent,” she said.