North Forsyth’s Raider Swim Team is receiving some sweet new upgrades this year. Thanks to generous funding from the Forsyth County Board of Education, North Forsyth High School decided to undertake an ambitious project: to finally give the Raider Swim Team its own facility. Rumors have been flying fast and loose about the construction; the wildest of rumors claim that they are building a new gym. This preposterous statement can easily be debunked. North already has two gyms, so why would they construct a third? Sources confirm that the project occupying the front parking lot will become a state-of-the-art aquatic facility.

The new facility is modeled after the Olympic pool located at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. North’s new pool will boast the 10 lanes, 50 meter length, and 13 foot depth of Georgia Tech’s pool, much to the delight of the swim team. Similarly, divers will be pleased to hear that plans are in place to position an 18 foot deep diving well opposite the pool, just like the design at Tech. However, the space limitations will limit bleacher space and deck area will be tight. Despite this, Barton-Malow assures the staff and that deck and bleacher space will not be an issue, and they have enough space for locker rooms.

Now that the parking lot formerly located in front of the school has been removed and the debris cleared, excavation of the pool itself will commence. The facility will be constructed around the pool once it has been fully dug and cemented. According to the construction plans Barton-Malow has released, the pool’s construction should reach completion by April of 2016 and open during May.

Students interested in obtaining a pool pass should apply at the attendance office posthaste. Passes will cost around $10 dollars for semester passes and $15 for year-long passes. Questions about operation of the pool should be taken directly to Principal Cheney, Doctor Galt, or the foreman of the project. Students will be permitted to use the pool one hour before and after school, as well as during lunch. Food and drinks will not be allowed in the aquatic center.

Trials for the new Lifeguarding Arts elective will be held September 21^st at the Cumming Aquatic Center at 5:45 AM. Please note that any student seeking to attend trials for the Lifeguarding Arts elective must have prior CPR certification and experience with individuals blacking out after being pelted in the gonads during water polo. Moreover, individuals interested in the offshoot of the Team Sports elective – Team Aquatic Sports – should speak to Coach Tyler Martin. Gonad protection training will be offered as part of the course.