A long‑anticipated vision for Cayman’s swimmers took a major step forward on Friday, 10th of July 2026 as leaders officially broke ground on the Cayman Islands Aquatic Centre at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town.
The new complex will feature a 50‑metre competition pool alongside a 25‑metre Lions pool, creating the country’s first full‑scale world‑class aquatic facility.
Premier André Ebanks joined Her Excellency Governor Jane Owen, Minister Isaac Rankine, Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association (CIASA) President Steve Broadbelt, Lions Club representatives and athletes for the ceremony.
The Premier praised the project as a model of public‑private partnership and community spirit, saying it shows how sport can unite the country and support health, tourism and regional connections.
In his remarks, Broadbelt said the ground‑breaking marks the point where a decades‑long dream is finally becoming reality.
He explained that early plans focused mainly on elite athletes, but the project evolved into a broader community facility designed to serve children learning to swim, competitive swimmers, para‑athletes, and seniors who benefit from aquatic therapy.
The new centre will support a wide range of disciplines, including competitive swimming, artistic swimming, water polo, para‑swimming and open‑water training.
Broadbelt noted that Cayman’s swimmers have already achieved strong regional and international results despite limited facilities, and said a world‑class pool will help them reach even higher.
Lions Club stalwart Lion Hugh Fairmont used his speech to recall Cayman’s early swimming history, from makeshift meets off Public Beach marked by floating drums, to the opening of the original Lions Swimming Pool.
He said the new development builds on that legacy of teaching Cayman’s children to swim and preventing tragedies at sea.
Although the existing Lions pool will be replaced, CIASA and project leaders confirmed that the new 25‑metre pool will retain the Lions name in recognition of the club’s long‑standing support for local aquatics.
Containers holding pool components are already on site, and fencing and excavation work are expected to begin shortly, with the 50‑metre and 25‑metre tanks to be assembled once groundwork is complete.
The aquatic centre is planned as a multi‑phase development, with future additions to include grandstands, food and beverage services, fitness facilities and athlete accommodation, creating a broader sporting village at the heart of George Town.
Officials say the complex will host local programmes and regional and international events, boosting sports tourism and introducing more visitors to the Cayman Islands.