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The article offers best practices for water safety at swimming facilities serving minorities and individuals with disabilities in celebration of the National Water Safety Month in the aquatics industry. Topics include the impact of fatal and non-fatal drowning on these populations, statistics on growing fatal drowning and water-related injuries, and strategies used by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to support the development of a water-well community.

The article offers information on a conference of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) held in the year 2020 on reviewing the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC). Topics discussed include the use of cyanuric acid (CYA) and isocyanurates in stabilizing aquatic environment, harmonization between the MAHC and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and ventilation systems for indoor aquatic venues.

The article addresses the lack of education and equity within communities and departments in parks, recreation and aquatics field. Topics include the deficit with the demand of the job and risks involved in relationship to aquatics salaries identified by the author, a disconnect cited between demand on aquatics professionals and their supervisors' understanding of what they do and suggestions on addressing equity such as emphasizing aquatics in overall conversation of parks and recreation.

The article discusses the development of an aquatics master plan to replace and upgrade pools that were built in the 1950s in Wichita (Kansas) Park and Recreation. Topics include In 2020, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, aquatics operations were on hold; in 2019 the plan was adopted in two phases, with project construction lasting from 2020 to 2022; and its strategy to spend money to renovate the pools in lieu of full replacement.

The article discusses the importance of aquatics training for a lifeguard to manage psychological and physiological stress by referring to the books "On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace" by David Grossman and "Sharpening the Warriors Edge: The Psychology & Science of Training" by Bruce Siddle. Topics discussed include preparing for emergency action, four types of military tactical drills such as speed drills, and emergency action plan.

The article discusses the business potential of splash parks. With the economy in recession, aquatic managers have found revenue with splash parks. According to one aquatic manager, families are willing to pay for aquatic facilities that are more than just traditional swimming pools. Compared to traditional pool, spray parks require less maintenance. The state of the U.S. economy has prompted aquatic facilities to add new features rather than build another.

The article reports that many aquatic facilities are generating revenue from shaded areas on their property. Many swimming pools and waterparks are now charging groups rent for using shaded spots within their facilities. Many others have installed umbrellas to offer more shade to their guests. The aquatic facilities say that the use of shaded areas is better for the health and comfort of their guests. INSET: Make Your Facility Pool Cool.

The article focuses on issues related to whitewater parks. A whitewater is created and influenced by combining factors such as the velocity or speed of the water, the volume or amount of moving water, the river's gradient or amount of elevation drop, and obstacles. The development of whitewater parks is a worldwide trend. While these parks come in different shapes and sizes, they share the common thread of making whitewater rafting and kayaking more readily available to the public. Whitewater parks generally fall into one of three categories, in-stream courses, divided channel courses and re-circulating courses.

The article discusses about the grants that incentivize aquatic facilities to improve operations, air quality and energy use with secondary or supplemental sanitation with better solutions, like the Advanced Oxidation Process or AOP. Topics of discussion includes the utility providers offer to incentives for replacing energy-Inefficient technologies and improving indoor pool air quality with AOP.

Focuses on the plan to devise an aquatic program in Omaha, Nebraska in 2004. Details of the plan; Goals of the plan; Formation of an aquatic team.

Focuses on developing a theme for aquatic parks in the U.S. Reasons of parks and recreation director Dan Smith for installing a water playground in Troy, Alabama; Significance of cost effectiveness in planning for recreational facilities in Hialeah, Florida; Details of a theme park at the Hamilton County Park District in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Discusses information on spray parks for children in local communities in the U.S., wherein sprayers, water cannons and larger-than-life creatures can be found for recreation. Examples of spray parks; Details of planning a spray park; Reason for building a spray park; Importance of children's perspective in building a spray park; Factors to consider in planning a spray park.

Focuses on the importance of the maintenance of aquatic facilities. Selection of the time for facility maintenance; Tasks involved with facility maintenance; Suggestions on maintenance planning; Facility security during maintenance work.

Discusses the hiring of aquatic professionals. Qualifications to consider; Importance to customer service; Results of an aquatic management study conducted at the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois in 1998.

Evaluates aquatic facility and swimming pool products as of November 2001.

Focuses on the importance of a junior lifeguard program to aquatic facilities. Description of junior lifeguards; Foundation in basic aquatic skills; Activities that may be incorporated into the junior lifeguard program; Period when junior lifeguards are eligible for lifeguard certification course.

Features the North Clackamas Aquatic Park in Clackamas County, Oregon. Assembly of a team of county staff to develop a plan for the provision of park and recreational services; Regional park developed by the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District; Annual participant total; Creation of a swimming program.

The article focuses on the finalization of the Americans with Disabilities Act's (ADA) Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), guidelines developed by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for aquatic facilities. MAHC is for state regulation development, but is not enforced immediately. Its effects will be filtered because its recommendations are covered by state regulations. It guarantees quality control and savings in integrated systems and mobile applications.

The article focuses on the factors that can contribute in the sustainable success of aquatic parks. Paul Gilbert, executive director of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, stresses on the importance of innovation for gaining sustainability in business and generating revenue. It mentions about the use of social marketing by recreation facilities and also stresses on the importance of striking a balance between leisure and safety.

The article focuses on the compliance of aquatic parks into the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility audit. It states that the access audit and transition plan was completed by Tinley Park ahead of the curve of the upcoming ADA deadline on March 15, 2012. It mentions the recommendations of Recreation Accessibility Consultants LLC's (RAC) president John McGovern to agencies that their facilities should be audited such as the community centers and aquatic centers. INSET: Learning from Others' Experiences.

The article reports developments related to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization which supports environmental conservation efforts. The NRPA Career Center is calling for job postings for lifeguard and seasonal staff positions. Other aquatics-related programs in 2017 include the release of three new online courses and a webinar on swimming programs.

The article presents the trends of the water leisure industry in the U.S. These include the admission prices and the increased subsidy for aging flatwater pools. It notes the Spray Parks and the competitive swim venues build by school districts. It mentions the large outdoor recreational aquatic facilities of municipalities.

The article discusses guidelines for aquatic facility professionals to ensure the safe and fair use of pool facilities by transgender individuals. It cites the importance of understanding the term "transgender." It explains key steps in enforcing a safe experience policy for all patrons regardless of sexual orientation which involves researching state law, surveying facility and locker room spaces, and training staff to address concerns in a confident and discreet manner.

The article discusses the Aquatic Facility Operator Instructor Workshop to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 21-22, National Recreation & Park Association Annual Conference to held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on September 25–27, 2018, and Event Management School meeting in West Virginia.

A calendar of events of the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) in the U.S. from January to February 2017 is presented.

The article describes how the Colony Aquatic Park in Denton County, Texas, dealt with an outbreak of the Cryptosporidium parasite in its geographic area. The park hyper-chlorinated its water, enforced rules requiring swimmers to shower before swimming and refrain from spitting and spouting, and distributed U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) educational brochures to swimmers.

The article focuses on the activities of the association National Aquatic Branch (NAB). Last year, NAB's leadership was able to define the roles of the Educational Professional Development chair, National Aquatic Management School chair and Conference Chair. This year NAB will work on two major projects, strategic planning and an operational manual. These initiatives will make NAB members stronger and a more influential branch within NRPA. The future of the Aquatic Branch depends on commitment and involvement of the entire membership.

The article offers information on various programs and activities of the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) including its National Aquatic Management School, Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification program, and the collaboration of NRPA's National Aquatic Conference & Exposition (NAC) with national congresses. INSET: 2011 NRPA National Awards Call for Nominations!.

A calender of events for parks & recreation activities is presented. From July, 29 to August, 1 the National Park Maintenance & Resource Management School will be in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Schedules for the National Playground Safety Institute Course and the Aquatic Facility Operator Course are provided.

This article covers the National Aquatic Conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia from February 27- March 4, 2007. The article discusses highlights of the events including the keynote speech provided by former Gold Medal Olympian John Naber. The conference also featured a golf tournament, tours of Atlanta's pools and aquatic facilities, educational sessions and an awards ceremony.

This article looks at Georgia's proposed project to build a canoe trail. When completed the project will allow visitors to spend the day paddling the trail while having the option to stop and use facilities for camping and picnicking, as well as restrooms. The project was the idea of a local businessman put into action by the environmental advocacy group, Upper Chattahoochee RiverKeeper, the National Parks Service, Georgia State Parks, the Trust for Public Land and volunteers.

This article contains news on members of the NRPA across the United States. The Garfield Park Conservatory in Illinois has received three grants to further its work. Mary Garrison, a NRPA Board of Trustee member has been honored with the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award. A new splash park will be opening in Michigan at the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department.

The article discusses the National Aquatic Branch (NAB) of the National Recreation and Parks Association. NAB is dedicated to the aquatic services industry. It provides specialized learning opportunities. Two of its subdivisions, the National Aquatic Management Conference and National Aquatic Management School are designed specifically for professionals. NAB offers a certification course in aquatic facilities operations, scholarships, and awards.

The article reports that the Glenview Park District Board of Commissioners has appointed Charles T. Balling as its executive director. Balling comes to the position from the Gurnee Park District, where he was executive director there for nine years. At Gurnee, Balling was responsible for 24 park sites and more than 300 acres, which includes the Viking Park Community Center, the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center and the Hunt Club Park Community Center currently under construction. Balling said he is very excited about starting his new job on March 6, 2006.

Previews the 20th National Aquatic Conference and the National Aquatic Management School (NAMS) events to be held at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 2 to 7, 2005. Topics to be discussed at the conference; Products to be displayed at the Exhibit Hall; Information on the course to be offered at the NAMS event.

Reports on Paragon Aquatic Safety Award given to Tom Griffiths, the incoming president of the National Aquatic Branch and aquatic director at Pennsylvania State University, on May 7, 2004 at the International Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Qualifications for the award; Other categories of the award.

Provides information on the preparations for the 2005 National Aquatic Conference that will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tasks of the Conference Committee concerning speakers and proposals; Benefits of members from the conference.

Reports on the recognition given to the Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park in Woodridge, Illinois in the magazine "Chicago" and television station WLS-TV. Features and attractions of the park; Information on its Web site.

Highlights the ecology exhibition of Visitor's Center at Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro, North Carolina until August 2003. Central theme of the exhibit; Description of Bear Island and its marine life, flora and fauna; Activities hosted by the Visitor's Center.

Focuses on the 18th Annual National Aquatic Conference and National Aquatic Management School on March 6-11, 2003 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Opportunities presented by the conference to attendees; Features of the conference; Keynote speaker of the conference.

Focuses on renting personal watercraft in the U.S. Issues faced by aquatic facilities operators prior to getting into the rental business; Purpose of the 'Renting Personal Watercraft Successfully' manual developed by the National Recreation and Park Association.