Why and How I Diversified My Aquatic Staff

July 29, 2020

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Why and How I Diversified My Aquatics Staff

In 2007, we at the Milwaukee Recreation Department, a part of Milwaukee Public Schools, began a seven-year effort to change the demographics of our aquatics staff to match that of our community. Our staff had a very narrow demographic: After performing an informal assessment, we established that approximately 95% of our staff were white individuals between 16 and 21 years of age. The primary part-time aquatics employee was a white high school or college student — that’s what was expected to be the target market for the position, and people rarely questioned that. Read it.

Staying Relevant During the Coronavirus Pandemic: We're in the fifth month now. What happens when you have an aquatics team, but no aquatics programs?

It’s July 20, and the soft date for opening recreational swimming is passing by. Due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases in our region, County Health here has begun to rescind previous orders that allowed for opening. The cases began to rise last week, so the Lifeguard Service Unit was prepared for the possibility of a delayed opening. Now, it’s almost certain that there will be no swim season for 2020 -- no recreational swimming, no lifeguard academy, no junior lifeguards, no learn-to-swim programming. Read it.

Congratulations to one of the newest individuals to earn their AqP designation - Tiffany Edwards, Aquatics Program Coordination, Cherokee Recreation and Parks

"I have been wanting to get my AqP for a while now. I have been an Aquatics Director for over 6 years and had most the requirements complete just hadn’t taken the time to put it all together. With the current state of our country and my pool closed I had the time. I also know getting the designation would make me a more marketable aquatics professional, as for the first time in my aquatics career felt nervous about my job security. It was a great experience. I had the opportunity to learn new things and confirm why I love be in the aquatics community".

August Competitor Swim Aquatic Professional of the Month - Paul Macias

Paul Macias is currently an Aquatics Manager with the City of Farmers Branch. Paul graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor’s in U.S. History and Minor in Recreation Services. In Spring 2016 he graduated from the University Illinois with a Master’s in Recreation, Tourism and Management. Read it.

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Diversity In Aquatics is hosting a webinar

We Are Water: Diversity In Aquatics and Textured Waves Discussion by Diversity In Aquatics

Wednesday, August 19, 2020 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM CDT Register Here.

Grand Haven fisherman raising money for water safety education after latest drowning

A fisherman working on Lake Michigan for decades is fundraising for warning banners along the shoreline to deter swimmers when conditions are dangerous. "We're seeing situations that just aren't safe and...over time, it's just something that eats away," said Dana Bonney, who owns and operates the Danel Sportfishing charter business off N. Harbor Drive in Grand Haven. Read it.

Baton Rouge mother shares story of drowning scare to remind other parents of water safety

A Baton Rouge mother is sharing the story of a close call with her daughter at a swimming pool to remind fellow parents that water safety should not be taken lightly. Read it.

USA Swimming Introduces Virtual Competition Format

USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, today announced a new virtual competition format for its members, allowing swimmers from across the country to compete against one another from the comfort of their local pool. Read it.

FREE COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR EVERYONE PROVIDED BY VARIOUS SOURCES IN ONE LOCATION

Re-Opening Facilities, Closed and Opening Pools, CDC guidelines for COVID-19 and POOLS, FREE Pre-Recorded available webinars and MORE

Register for a FREE two-day virtual event, September 15–16! Hand-picked campus recreation executive leaders from schools across the country will come together for roundtable discussions and idea exchange alongside exclusive partner content. Register here.

The Top-10 Things That Drive Swimmers Absolutely Crazy

Being a seasoned swimmer has its ups and downs: we know our way around any and every pool, we constantly smell of chlorine, our faces have permanent goggle marks and we can all count in fives exceptionally well. Forty-give plus 45 equals 1:30, right? Read it

The Athletic Business Podcast: Reopening Aquatics Facilities with Justin Caron

Justin Caron of Aquatic Design Group speaks with us on the special considerations aquatics facilities must keep in mind as they prepare to reopen. Sponsored by Colorado Time Systems. Listen Here.

Trailer For “The Weight Of Gold” Documentary Starring Michael Phelps & David Boudia Released

The first trailer for the HBO Documentary “The Weight of Gold” was released on Monday. The documentary will premiere on July 29, during what would have been the 2020 Olympic Games, that have since been moved back a whole year to slow down the coronavirus pandemic. 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps will narrate the film and is also serving as an executive producer for the project. Read it.

Wibit Modular and Stand Alone Play Products

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