World Aquatic Health Conference Boosts Offerings

Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 20, 2014 — World Aquatic Health ™ Conference WAHC) organizers announced a variety of special events surrounding the conference, boosting the offerings for attendees. Now in its eleventh year, the WAHC has gained reputation and following as the premier event for the aquatic field. The WAHC, hosted by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), is slated for October 8-10, 2014, at the at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Portland, Oregon. The scientific conference promises a packed schedule with new symposia, more seminars, a scientific poster session, four keynote addresses, and special guests.

“Organizations hold leadership meetings and educators plan special courses in conjunction with the WAHC to help attendees maximize their wallet,” explained Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO of NSPF. “Leaders appreciate that the WAHC attracts others who have curious minds, who seek opportunities to help keep pools safer and open, and who are committed to a healthier world through aquatics.

Attendees are encouraged to take full advantage of their trip to Portland by attending the extra conference events and workshops.

Insider’s Tour

The popular Insiders Tour will be offered for attendees who arrive a day early. A pre-conference tour on Wednesday, October 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will visit unique Portland aquatic facilities providing attendees an insider’s view. The five-hour event includes shuttle to and from the hotel, and lunch. Participants can bounce ideas off each other and gain different perspectives on designing and managing a profitable facility. Registration fee for this event is $60. Sign up at TheWAHC regonline .

Conference of the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) On Wednesday, October 8, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and CMAHC will host a workshop open to all. This initial organizational meeting represents a unique opportunity for public health, aquatics and other stakeholders to get in on the ground floor to help form how this vital national entity will be organized and operated. The CDC plans for the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) to be released this summer. An independent non-profit, the CMAHC has been formed to serve the key role of collecting, assessing and relaying national input needed on the MAHC. This workshop will include discussion on the process for future proposed revisions and how final decisions will be made. Also, organizers will begin signing up volunteers who will fill vital roles in the proposed submission, review and discussion process and planning of the first official CMAHC to be held in October 2015.

Welcome Reception

Attendees will meet up with old friends and get to know new ones while enjoying a ‘Taste of Portland’ in an intimate environment. Always well attended, the reception is a great opportunity for networking and to experience the local tastes of the city. A cash bar will be available. The reception is free for registered attendees; guests may attend for a fee. Wednesday 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Private Film Screening

Join us Thursday evening, October 9, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., for dinner and private showing of the compelling new documentary, Taking the Plunge, produced by Shawnelle King, Falcon Rattler Media.

She will introduce the film, and speak during the conference. Watch the Trailer. This important film takes on a courageous journey to eliminate the fear of being in or around the water. The documentary touches lives and truly serves as a motivator to increase the number of swimmers and help reduce the number of drowning deaths in the U.S. Everybody knows at least one person who can't swim, or who doesn't like water, or who is just plain scared of it. Learn how you can help eliminate that nagging fear of being in or around the water. Fee $20. Sign up at TheWAHC regonline .

Post Conference Events

Genesis 3 Design Group – Engineering 211: Basic Fluid Engineering

Saturday, October 11 – Sunday, October 12, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 16 hours earns attendees 1.6 CEUs. Registration fee is $1,995 for conference attendees. Sign up at TheWAHC regonline.

Every water shape requires at least a basic understanding of the hydraulic principles that make it work. This program, instructed by Dave Peterson, provides a detailed foundation of understanding that enables students to design better hydraulic systems. This program is required for the SWD certification and is a prerequisite for Engineering 311: Advanced Fluid Engineering.

USA Swimming - Two-Day Build A Pool Conference

Saturday, October 11, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 12, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Registration Fee is $30 for WAHC conference attendees.

Call 719-866-3594 to register.

The Regional Build A Pool Conference is not just about building pools. Participants will learn how to program pools for financial sustainability, renovate, upgrade or expand existing pools, and design/build new facilities.

Details on all seminars and presenters are found at TheWAHC.org . Included are links to a complete information package, secure online registration and hotel reservations. The deadline to take advantage of a $50.00 early registration savings is June 1. Full-time college students (12+ credit hours) may register for only $150 by providing proof of enrollment at an accredited college or university. For additional information, call 719-540-9119.

Leadership Meetings

As of publication date, the National Swimming Pool Foundation and several other organizations will hold meetings (by invitation or special registration only) in conjunction with the World Aquatic Health Conference.

October 6 - 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

October 7 – 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

October 8 - 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

National Swimming Pool Foundation Certified Instructor Course (must register)

October 8 – 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

NSPF Instructor Meeting (closed)

October 8 – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

CPO ® Certification Course (must register)

October 8 – 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) CMAHC Workshop (Open)

October 9 – 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Portland Area Aquatics Council (PAAC) Meeting (closed)

October 9 – 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Playcore Meeting (closed)