Registration is open for the 2021 AOAP Conference and Exposition and the 2021 Diversity in Aquatics Convention

The 2021 AOAP Conference and Exposition and Diversity in Aquatics Convention full registration booklet is now available and we are taking registrations. Click here for attendee or exhibitor registration Information and to download the conference/convention booklet or Click here to apply for an AOAP Conference scholarship.
USA Swimming Announces Formation of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council and Black Leadership in Aquatics Coalition

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Swimming, the national governing body for swimming in the United States, is proud to announce the formation of two diverse leadership groups developed as part of a long-term action plan to provide expertise and strategic guidance to USA Swimming staff and swimming leaders regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Read it.
Revitalize and increase visitor numbers with Wibit’s interlocking combinations and transform your swimming pool into a water adventure for all ages. All Wibit pool combinations are designed to fit the standard pool size. While keeping our successful standard combinations, we also present the new FastTrack for another competitive edge. View it.
Purpose-Driven Aquatics Are Essential: Open & Keep Pools Open for Public Health & Safety

Over 10.5 million people participate in aquatics exercise in the United States annually. Purpose-driven aquatics, such as swim lessons, water fitness and rehabilitation, lifeguard training, and competitive aquatics, ensure our communities’ mental and physical health and safety. Thus, it is therefore essential that pools be open. Read it and sign.
Virtual Workshop — Getting Back in the Pool: How to Safely Reopen Your Aquatics Facility

Here is a fabulous virtual workshop that was presented by Athletic Business view this FREE virtual workshop here (Keep a copy of your proof of registration and proof that you took the webinar and use it towards your AqP designation requirements) Panelists include: Shawn DeRosa, JD, AqP, Owner, DeRosa Aquatic Consulting, Orlando, Florida, Megan Pleli, M.S., RN, Aquatic Program Administrator, Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Rec District, Bainbridge Island, Washington and Justin Caron, MBA, AFO, Principal, Aquatic Design Group, Carlsbad, California
Mother of teen drowning victims speaks, begs for lifeguards

The mother of the siblings who drowned in Spanaway Lake on Sunday said lifeguards need to be present when children are around.Ramizan Mberwa, 15, drowned after jumping in the water to save his 14-year-old brother, Hamadi Mberwa, according to Pierce County officials. Read it.
Evaporating Dollars? Get Covered!

Water evaporation is a major culprit contributing to a swimming pool's high energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "Swimming pools lose energy in a variety of ways, but evaporation is by far the largest source of energy loss. Hands down, the best way to reduce energy bills is by covering pools when they are not in use with an edge to edge insulated cover.  Read it.
COVID-19: Risk Management & Prevention Measures for Aquatic Professionals - 35% discount for AOAP Members!

The best practices for managing the risks of COVID-19 continue to evolve as we learn more about how the disease is transmitted and as we gain experience managing guest and team behaviors. This course discusses modes of transmission, prevention measures, and best practices for minimizing the risks of COVID-19 exposure from both the operational and program delivery perspectives. AOAP Members using the Member’s Only Coupon Code are eligible for a 35% discount on this course through 2021. Preview the curriculum and see a sample lesson by following the link below. AOAP Members Click Here to receive the discount code.
 
Thanks to Boy Scout training, college student saves teen from drowning

Lifesaving skills learned as a 13-year-old Eagle Scout made the difference when San Marco resident Ross Johnson was called to save a young teen from drowning in Neptune Beach ocean waters May 17. Read it.
SPONSORED CONTENT
New Manikin allows start to finish Lifeguard Training

The Ruth Lee Pool Rescue manikin is already transforming lifeguard training around the world. It allows a trainee to complete a simulated rescue, from start to finish, without needing to switch between different equipment and live volunteer casualties. Perfect for post-COVID training!  From deep-water recovery and towing, to assisted lifts and using a rescue board, the Pool Rescue manikin allows a trainee to learn essential skills while minimizing person-to-person contact. Read it.
Lifeguards Rescue Tangled Osprey

Lifeguards at West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook caught sight of a waterfowl in distress recently and went out in the water to investigate. It turned out the bird was an osprey - much larger than the typical seagull or other seabird - and the bird had gotten itself tangled up in a fishing line attached to a weighted sinker. Unable to fly and on the verge of drowning the lifeguard placed a rescue surfboard underneath the osprey, allowing its head to remain above water and provide it with something firm to hold on to. Read it.
For a nominal fee, your agency can post a job opening on the AOAP website and in the AOAP Weekly. To learn more about this service click here.
OPEN AQUATIC POSITIONS - Post a job today!

Association of Aquatic Professionals
(Closes October 1, 2020)

Aquatic Superintendent, The Woodlands, Texas
(Open Until filled, however, closes on AOAP website 9/26/2020)
HydroApps Where Aquatic Management Meets Life

Lower risk with HydroApps and track every aspect of an effective operations and risk management program. With tracking for certifications to training to performance, you’ll have the tools you need to proactively prevent costly incidents and gain instant insight into trends occurring within your facility. AOAP Members receive 15% off.
Creating an Exciting Community Pool on a Budget

A well-designed and programmed aquatic facility is a great community investment and is often at the top of residents’ wish lists. Not only do municipal pools support public health and contribute significantly to the social cohesiveness of a community, they are also very popular. Read it.
13-year-old invents emergency kit to prevent drownings on Florida beaches

Florida shores may soon become a bit safer thanks to the ingenuity of 13-year-old Kaial Hajik in Panama City Beach. After hearing of several drownings in the Gulf of Mexico over the past few years, Kaial, a Boy Scout and aspiring Air Force Academy cadet, worked with his father to devise a emergency kit prototype called the "LifeBoKx". Read it.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2020/2021Sponsors, Marketing & Conference Partners
Black Swimming Association Partners With Speedo

The world’s leading swimwear brand Speedo has joined forces with the Black Swimming Association (BSA) in a joint mission to get more BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities enjoying the water safely. The partnership confirms an already thriving relationship after working collaboratively on the launch of ‘A Film Called Blacks Can’t Swim’ and a social media Q&A session highlighting the challenges and barriers faced by the black community in swimming. Read it.
Pete DeQuincy, Aquatics Manager, East Bay Regional Park District, pdequincy@ebparks.org
(Content Manager)

Juliene R. Hefter, Executive Director/CEO, AOAP, 262-894-9772, juliene@aquaticpros.org
(Content Editor)