Jefferey Spivey 4/5/23 Jefferey Spivey 4/5/23

When Recreational Water Illnesses Threaten Splash-Pad Fun

Splash pads are a hallmark of summertime family fun for communities across the country. Typically free to use and open to the public, they’re an accessible and affordable way to keep children entertained when school’s out.

Stephanie Fujimura 4/5/23 Stephanie Fujimura 4/5/23

Design A More Inclusive Aquatic Facility

Most people who think about accessibility in aquatic facilities probably consider pool features such as lifts, ramps, and stairs. While aquatic function is the primary purpose of such a facility, they should not overlook the role that supporting facilities play in the overall user experience.

Kevin Goodrich and Vic Hathaway 4/5/23 Kevin Goodrich and Vic Hathaway 4/5/23

Award-Winning And Lifesaving

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4,000 unintentional drownings occur in the United States every year. The town of Marana, Ariz., hopes to reduce that number.

Mary Helen Sprecher 4/5/23 Mary Helen Sprecher 4/5/23

Everybody Into The Pool

Swimming pools are as much a part of summer as the end of school, Popsicles, and bright, sunny days. And with the worst of the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, it’s time for those facilities to welcome back the crowds.

Gerry Dworkin 4/5/23 Gerry Dworkin 4/5/23

Drowning Prevention

Drowning is a significant health concern within the U.S., and is one of the leading causes of unintentional-injury deaths for people of all ages. Drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional-injury death for children ages 14 and under, and the second-leading cause of death from all causes for children under 4 years old.

Sue Nelson 4/5/23 Sue Nelson 4/5/23

Aquatic Exercise

There are more than 3-million U.S. fitness professionals helping more than 73-million Americans stay healthy through exercise, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. The fitness industry plays a central and essential role in promoting and maintaining mental, physical, and social health and well-being.

John Dzarnowski 4/5/23 John Dzarnowski 4/5/23

Remaining Relevant

To remain relevant and attract visitors, municipal aquatic centers must make upgrades and add interest despite the challenges presented by budget constraints and the fluctuations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of forced closures of facilities, many aquatic leaders lost revenue, and funding for programs was cut, although some cities have managed to pass referenda during that time to start projects.

Anthony Iracki 4/5/23 Anthony Iracki 4/5/23

Reflections Of A Not-So-Young Professional

By most accounts and standards, a young professional is someone who is deemed “35 and younger.” While I will take that assessment for my own benefit (who wants to admit they’re getting older?) I will also honor what I see as a time-honored tradition among my colleagues and use my recent 35th birthday as a moment to “bow out” from this designation while remaining present in its purpose.

John Engh 4/5/23 John Engh 4/5/23

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Fewer than 48 hours into the New Year, fans watching the final Monday Night Football game of the season between Cincinnati and Buffalo saw a chilling scene when the Bills’ Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field and medical personnel rushed to tend to him.

Ron Ciancutti 4/5/23 Ron Ciancutti 4/5/23

Build Faith

Most days I take the same on-ramp at the same highway intersection. On this particular day, I was greeted by a giant orange sign that warned me of a “Flagman Ahead.”