Drownings can happen with astonishing speed. “A person can drown in 30 seconds, which is why time is of the essence in getting rescuers to patients in the water,” said Honolulu Ocean Safety Lt. David Loui, who stood on the shores of Maunalua Bay alongside two fellow officers and two Ocean Safety trucks and a utility terrain vehicle Monday to heighten public awareness of drowning risks and preventive measures for Hawaii Beach Safety Week, which runs through Saturday. Read it.

The 2021 AOAP Conference and Exposition and Diversity in Aquatics Convention full registration booklet is now available and we are taking registrations. There is also a fantastic VIRTUAL OPTION for AOAP being offered as well if you are not able to attend in person. 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.

One person was injured by a chlorine gas leak at the Littleton High School swimming pool on Sept. 10, according to South Metro Fire Rescue.

Firefighters responded to a call for an “odor of chlorine” from the pool's control room area shortly before 8 p.m. on Sept. 10, said South Metro Fire spokesperson Connor Christian. A custodial crew was in the building at the time.

As if 2020 hadn’t thrown enough at Coloradans already, consider this: Drowning deaths in Colorado just hit a record high. As of September 1, the state has reported 29 drowning deaths this year, making it one of the deadliest years in Colorado history, says Grant Brown, Colorado Parks and Wildlife boating safety program manager. Most of these deaths can be attributed to novices being on the water. “With the pandemic, more people are getting outside, which is great, but they’re getting into activities that are new to them,” he says. 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.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously to approve to delay the effective date of CPSC’s drain cover standard, ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 from Nov. 24, 2020, to May 24, 2021. The six-month delay was requested by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) on March 24, 2020, to provide drain cover manufacturers additional time while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted manufacturers and test labs. Read it.

With the right focus, the right team and an ongoing commitment to the project and the partnership, the public and private sectors can join forces to tackle even the most vexing challenges facing large, urban municipalities. Read it.

Our severe riptide currents have claimed another life, a young woman from Brooklyn who came to Rockaway to take a swim. Did Chinnel Brown know that Rockaway’s riptides can be deadly, especially when there were no lifeguards on duty? We’ll never know. Read it.

There are certain things you need to keep in mind while enjoying time in and around your pool to keep your family safe. If you don’t have a pool yet but are considering installing one, there are safety precautions you should be aware of before making such a commitment and financial investment. Read it.

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.

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.

Without a doubt, our COVID-19 challenges have been enormously complicated and very stressful since its outbreak. However, there have been positive developments and lessons which can be learned from this difficult experience. Here are a few observations worth sharing with students engaged in your campus recreation programs: 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!

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.

Pete DeQuincy, Aquatics Manager, East Bay Regional Park District, [email protected]

Juliene R. Hefter, Executive Director/CEO, AOAP, 262-894-9772, [email protected]