2025 Conference Guide

AOAP2025

ASSOCIATION OF AQUATIC PROFESSIONALS

CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION

Program Guide Monday, February 3 - Thursday, February 6, 2025 Pre- & Post-Conference Events February 1 - 8

The TradeWinds Island Resorts & Convention Center St Pete Beach, FL

Con Mus ferenc ic e

Great keynote!

2024 Memories AOAP Conference & Expo Reno, NV

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Enjoy the oppor tunit y

Favorit m o m e n t se

Welcome!

Dear Colleagues, It is my pleasure to invite you to attend the 14th Annual Association of Aquatic Professionals Conference and Exposition February 3 – 6, 2025, at the TradeWinds Island Resorts in St Pete Beach, Florida.

Over the past 14 years, the Annual Conference and Exposition has become the premier gathering for aquatic professionals to showcase their success stories, network with peers, develop organizational partnerships, and hear from speakers willing to share their tips, techniques, and experiences for the benefit of our profession.

Through the Annual Conference and Exposition, the Conference-Educational Committee aims to provide attendees with practical, hands-on experiences so that they can return home with relevant, actionable plans to improve their drowning prevention, programming, leadership, risk management, technical operations, and overall facility management efforts. Speakers will present topics that have real-world applications for aquatics professionals that will help all of us address the challenges and shape the future of the aquatics profession.

In addition to dynamic general sessions, the conference offers concurrent session tracks that will allow attendees the opportunity to customize their learning experience, and various networking opportunities are always a memorable part of conference festivities.

The Annual Conference and Exposition also provides an exciting opportunity for sponsoring organizations to showcase their products and services to aquatic professionals from across the country.

We look forward to seeing you in St Pete Beach. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the AOAP office at (262) 894-9772 or via email at info@aquaticpros.org.

We hope to see you in St Pete!

Juliene Juliene Hefter, MSOLQ, AqP, AFOI Executive Director & CEU

ABOUT

Conference The AOAP Conference is the foremost aquatics event in the nation. The education, networking, and professional development opportunities offered during the conference are one-of-a-kind, and you’ll be joining other professionals to learn about the latest trends, legislation, and issues facing our industry.

Offered in tandem with the National Drowning Prevention Association (NDPA) National Water Safety Conference, the conference delivers content that covers topics including safety and risk management, operations and maintenance, programming and staff management, drowning prevention, Model Aquatic Health Code and more.

About the Resort

Returning to the TradeWinds Island Resort and Convention Center for 2025, attende amenities of this beachfront resort. Spanning 40 tropical acres along 1,600 feet of a Coast of Florida, Island Grand is the perfect place for your entire crew to enjoy the rooms, on-site restaurants and coffee shop, and a short walk to the soft white sand Beach are sure to make your AOAP Conference experience memorable!

Room rates start at $181 per night (resort fee included) and are available through th you receive an email with a different link - don’t be fooled! This link is the ONLY VAL

ees are sure to enjoy all of the ward-winning shoreline on the Gulf conference. Well-appointed meeting s and calm Gulf waters of St. Pete

e unique AOAP housing link here. If D RESERVATION LINK for AOAP 2025.

GROUP CODE: 21062 PASSWORD: 69725113

5500 GULF BLVD - ST PETE BEACH, FL

REGISTRATION

Information FULL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Type

Member

NonMember

Early Registration (by Oct. 1, 2024)

$459

$559

$509

$609

Late Registration (after Jan. 2, 2025)

$559

$659

Last Minute Registration (after Feb. 1, 2025)

$584

$684

Regular Registration (Oct. 2, 2024 Jan. 2, 2025)

WHAT’S INCLUDED? Full Conference Registration includes the SAI Doctor Presentation, Keynote, Endnote, Aquatics InternationaI Session, Monday night networking social, Exhibit Hall opening Tuesday night, Wednesday Exhibit Hall lunch, , CEUs and attendance at any AOAP or NDPA sessions during the week!

Wednesday night social / dinner tickets are currently SOLD OUT.

THINGS TO

Know

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Aquatic Directors Head Lifeguards / Supervisors / Managers Hotel / Motel Operators Pool Management Companies Aquatic Consultants Aquatic Technicians Commercial Aquatic Companies Military Personnel

University Employees Fitness Center or Club Aquatic Personnel Local Park & Recreation Aquatic Professionals YMCAs / JCCs Lifeguard Management Companies Swim School Operators Health Inspectors

REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS

AOAP and NDPA are unable to provide refunds or credits once you are registered for the conference. However, registration substitutions may be made if requested in writing no later than Friday, January 24, 2025.

GROUP REGISTRATION DISCOUNT Receive a 10% discount on full-conference registrations when a minimum of five (5) employees from the same organization register at the same time and pay via check.

Please contact Juliene Hefter at juliene@aquaticpros.org for more information.

GETTING TO CONFERENCE AIR TRAVEL Tampa International Airport (TPA) is situated near the waters of Tampa Bay while St Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is located in Pinellas County closer to the city of Clearwater. TPA is larger and services more airlines and destinations. The smaller PIE airport is a hub for Allegiant Air - perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION Uber, Lyft and shuttle services are available from both TPA and PIE. You can book a Tampa Airport Shuttle by calling 803-731-9283 or online at expresstransportationnow.com.

RESORT TRANSPORTATION Resort Transportation Services, located in the Island Grand Lobby, is available for a small fee. Call 727-343-3303 to discuss airport transportation or excursion options.

Schedule AT-A-GLANCE Sunday, February 2

Registration Open 3:30 - 5:30 pm Pre-Conference Events

Monday, February 3

Registration Open 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Tuesday, February 4

Registration Open 7:45 am - 6 pm

Wednesday, February 5

Registration Open 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Thursday, February 6

Registration Open 8:30 - 11:15 am

Friday & Saturday, February 7 & 8

Post-Conference Events

Separate Registration Required - See page 10 for more information!

8 am - 5 pm | Aquatic Technician School, Day 1 8 - 8:30 am | First Time Attendees Welcome 8:30 - 9:30 am | Doctor’s Presentation by SAI & SGE 9:45 - 11:15 am | Opening Keynote 11:45 am - 4:40 pm | Education Sessions 4:50 - 5:20 pm | AOAP General Membership Meeting 7 pm - Close | Opening Social

8 am - 5 pm | Aquatic Technician School, Day 2 8 - 9 am | General Session Presented by Families United 9:30 am - 5:25 pm | Education Sessions 5:30 - 8 pm | Exhibit Hall Grand Opening & Dinner

8 - 9 am | General Session by Aquatics International 9:30 am - 12:10 pm | Education Sessions 12:30 - 1 pm | Lunch in the Exhibit Hall 1 - 3 pm | Exclusive Exhibit Hall Hours - FREE to the Public!

3:15 - 5:55 pm | Education Sessions 7 - 10:00 pm |All-Conference Social

8:55 - 10:05 am | Roundtables, Education Sessions & AqP Exam 10:15 - 11:25 am | Endnote Session Presented by NDPA 11:45 am - 5 pm |Post Conference Workshops

Separate Registration Required - See page 10 for more information!

General SESSIONS

Opening Keynote Monday, Feb 3 9:45 am

Splish Splash!

SOMETIMES YOU’VE GOT TO TAKE A CHANCE!

Innovative programming. Better products. Safer pools. Unwavering commitment to drowning prevention.

A better experience for the employee, customer and community - which is what everyone wants. But why is it that outdated policies, obsolete mindsets, conformity for the sake of normalcy, poor leadership, political red tape and backstabbing coworkers too often direct things. Come laugh, play and maybe get a bit uncomfortable as we navigate the thinking that holds many people and organizations back from doing great things, being memorable, and making a difference while still ensuring that safety is always at the forefront of every decision.

Sponsored by

Monday, February 3 | 8:30 - 9:30 am Presents Dr Seth Collings Hawkins, MD, Annual Update Tues, February 4 | 8 - 9 am General Session Sponsored

by Families United to Prevent Drowning Speaker TBA Wed, February 5 | 8 - 9 am General Session & Award Ceremony Sponsored by

Featuring Shawn DeRosa, DeRosa Aquatic Consulting

Join us in recognizing the Aquatics International Award winners and the AOAP Competitor Swim Aquatic Professionals of the Month!

Thurs, February 6 | 10:15 - 11:25 am Ending Keynote Sponsored by Featuring 3-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines

SOCIALS

OPENING SOCIAL Monday, February 3 at 7 pm Join us Monday night for a casual networking social. Meet new friends, make connections, and expand your circle to get the conference started on the right foot! Stay tuned for more details! Special thanks to sponsors Aqua Revival, AquaCreek Products & Malmsten!

! t u O d l o S

ALL-CONFERENCE SOCIAL Wednesday, February 5 7 - 10 pm

LICENSE TO CHILL - ARE YOU ON BOARD? Dinner & Cruise on Yacht Starship Limited to the first 600 registrants - tickets are not guaranteed

Boarding begins at 7 pm, and Yacht Starship will leave the dock promptly at 7:30 - don’t miss out!

Dress in your island best and enjoy a DJ spinning tropical rock tunes while you enjoy a dinner of conch fritters, smokehouse pit BBQ with all the fixins, fresh veggies and salads, curry mango chicken salad and more!

Cruise departs from Dolphin Landing, about 0.5 miles and an easy walk from the resort. Walk, Uber or pay a small fee for the hotel shuttle. The yacht will return to the dock at approximately 10 pm.

Special thanks to sponsors Aqua Revival, Fluidra, Lincoln Aquatics, Paddock & ProMinent!

EXHIBIT HALL Happenings EXHIBIT HALL GRAND OPENING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 | 5:30 - 8 PM SPONSORED BY RECREONICS Visit with leading aquatic vendors, make new connections and have dinner, all in the same great location! Food is served from 5:45 - 7:45 p.m. Ticket required.

EXHIBIT HALL LUNCHEON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 | 12:30 - 1 PM Join vendors for lunch in the exhibit hall! Ticket required.

EXHIBIT HALL CLOSING HOURS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 | 1 - 3 PM Take one last trip around the expo hall to connect with your favorite vendors.

Have local friends? Let them know that entry is free to the public during this time!

CORK PULL & SILENT AUCTION

Benefitting the Kathy Luecker Memorial Scholarship Fund

Purchase your wine cork for $20 starting after the Opening Session and redeem between 7:15 - 7:30 pm on Tuesday! Cash or credit card accepted.

Please note that wine may not be opened until you leave the Expo Hall!

The Silent Auction includes a variety of great items from gift cards & vacation packages to pool equipment. Make your bid during exhibit hall hours Tuesday and Wednesday so you don’t miss out!

KATHIE LUECKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

a

The Kathie Luecker Memorial Scholarship Fund provides a full or discounted registration to conference scholarship recipients in the following categories: Professional; Diversity Professional; FullTime Student; Diversity Full-Time Student. Please consider donating a bottle of wine or items for the silent auction by contacting Auction Chair Craig Merkey at cam86@psu.edu.

PRE- & POST C Workshops

OTHER

AQUATIC FACILITY OPERATOR COURS Sunday, February 2 : 8 am - 6 pm : 1.5 CEUs : $395 per Person

The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification provides the most comprehensive and up-to-dat chemistry, disinfection, safety and much more. AFO certification will help you or your staff better aquatic facilities safely, efficiently and confidently.

The AFO blended course is a training that consists of completing the pre-requisite course work (a quizzes) and a full day filled with additional information and the exam administered after the cou practical knowledge from highly qualified AFO instructors and connect with other professionals i

SAFETY PLAN WORKSHOP Sunday, February 2 : 8 am - 4 pm 0.7 CEUs : $150 per Person This workshop is designed to help you create your facility's safety plan. Bring your information and be ready to work on all the aspects of creating an individual safety plan. This workshop also includes 2 virtual meetings after AOAP to ask questions and get clarification. At the end of the workshop and 2 virtual meetings the attendee should have a complete safety plan in place.

AQUATIC VENUE PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR COURSE Sunday, February 2 : 8 am - 5 pm $300 per Person Using a Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) based approach, this certification course provides public health officials and other interested stakeholders with the knowledge needed to confidently provide inspections to public and semi-public aquatic venues. Additional work will be required to be completed prior to this onsite session.

CONFERENCE

E (AFO) - BLENDED

ate training on operations, mechanical systems, water r understand the entire pool system and run all types of

approximately 7 hours covering information with various urse work has been completed. Course attendees will gain in the field. Participants have 3 hours to complete the exam.

See p age 16 for Di rector ’s Schoo l Inform ation!

MAKING WAVES

INNOVATIONS TO ELEVATE YOUR SWIM LESSON PROGRAM WITH KELLY MARTINEZ & JILL WHITE Sunday, February 2 : 12:30 - 5:30 pm : $79 / AOAP Member or $99 / AOAP Non-Member Join us for a dynamic exploration of practical methods to elevate the impact of your swim lesson program. Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, you will explore how to: Engage and motivate your swim instructors Train your swim instructors in effective class management and communication methods Improve how quickly your swim lesson students progress Reduce registration and first-day chaos And more…

You will not want to miss this five-hour workshop conducted by industry veterans known for their transformative ideas and methods.

SWIM ANGELFISH IN-WATER WORKSHOP

EXCLUSIVELY FOR PROFESSIONALS CERTIFIED

BY SWIM WHISPERERS WITH CINDY FREEDMAN Sunday, February 2 : 12:30 - 4:30 pm : $200 : To register, email cert@swimangelfish.com Master Adaptive Techniques Learned in Levels 1-4. Improve pacing and progression with this small, hands-on Swim Whisperers group session. In order to register for this workshop, you must already be a certified Swim Whisperer. If you are not, make sure to sign up to obtain your Swim Whisperer before this workshop takes place.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LEADERS FORUM Thursday, February 6 : 1:00 - 5:00 pm : FREE for Environmental Health Professionals Hosted by the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), this half-day, round table discussion is open only to environmental health professionals.

Ever struggled with when to allow your facilities to host a dog swim? How about a variance request for wooden hot tubs filled with beer? Got questions on surf parks or lagoons being built in your jurisdiction? Float tanks? Drone inspections? Many of the challenges other jurisdictions face are the same or similar to your own. Come and learn how other jurisdictions have responded to those challenges and take away tools to strengthen your own program.

AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTOR OPTIONS BY NATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTER LGI / LGIT R.24 RECERTIFICATION Sunday, February 2 :: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm : $150 : Register online at https://bit.ly/3ZnnVPh

NEW LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION Thursday, February 6 - Saturday, February 8 : 9:00 am - 4:00 pm : $500 : Register online at https://bit.ly/3zeEl1Q

FACILITY TOUR Sunday, February 2 : 8:00 am - 4:30 pm : $85 ($10 Discount with Conference Registration) Join us for an amazing site tour that includes a variety of local aquatic facilities that address different renovation and construction interests.

Facilities included on the Tour: Dunedin Highlander Pool – outdoor 25 yard and teaching pool, Dunedin, FL Long Center – indoor 50 meter and 25 yard therapy pool, Clearwater, FL Southwest Pool – outdoor 50 meter pool with diving platform and springboards, Largo, FL Walter Fuller Pool – outdoor 25 yard, St Petersburg , FL Fee includes transportation, lunch, water and invitation to the Florida Delegate Social on Tuesday night, and .4 CEUs.

MONDAY, FEB 3

Sponsored by

GOLF Tournament 12 PM

by Solenis

Bayou Golf Club - Largo, FL ENTRY REGISTRATION INCLUDES LUNCH BEFORE TEE OFF,

$95 / Player GREENS FEES, RANGE FEES, CART RENTAL AND 4PLAYER SCRAMBLE TOURNAMENT PLAY

Players must provide their own transportation.

Contact the Clubhouse for club rental information.

DIRECTOR’S School

Thursday, February 6 : 1 - 5 pm Friday, February 7 : 8 am - 5 pm Saturday, February 8 : 8 - 11 am Participants are invited to join a slate of industry-leading professionals for Director’s School. Choose Year 1, Year 2 (Year 1 completion required) or Year 3 (Year 2 completion required).

Topics covered will include: Risk Management Topics Aquatics Advocacy Inclusivity Sustainability Staff Retention & Training Operations & Programming Leadership

FEES* $459 AOAP Member $559 Non-Member

WHAT’S INCLUDED? In addition to meeting a cohort group and making lasting friendships, all levels of Director’s School include 1.5 CEUs, light lunch on Friday & breakfast on Saturday.

*Receive a $50 discount when registering for Director’s School & Conference at the same time. Must pay by check.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Monday, February 3 & Tuesday, February 4

AQUATIC

Technician SCHOOL

The Swimming Pool Repair and Maintenance Technician Training program will strive to provide participants with valuable knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of swimming pool repair and maintenance. By engaging with expert presenters and incorporating comprehensive training modules, the program aims to enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of technicians in the industry.

Topics Will Include: Technician’s Perspective of Pool Design Chemical Dosing Pump Maintenance Slide Maintenance, Service & Repair Legal Considerations Regenerative Filters Water Quality Myths

Digital Mutlimeter Use Pros & Cons of Chlorine Types Hands on UV Maintenance & Repair Preventative Maintenance 101 Receive Your Plastic Pipe Welding Certification

Registration Information AOAP Member: $459, Non-Member: $559

Registration Includes 1.6 CEUs, Tuesday Exhibit Hall Grand Opening & Dinner and any Wednesday AOAP sessions that you would like to attend.

Add on the full AOAP Conference for $150 extra to include Monday night social, Wednesday Exhibit Hall Lunch & Dinner/Social and Thursday morning sessions.

Thank you,

SPONSORS! THANK YOU, MAIN SPONSOR!

THANK YOU, GOLD SPONSORS!

THANK YOU, SILVER & BRONZE SPONSORS!

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Reach out to us at info@aquaticpros.org

EDUCATIONAL TRACKS Staff Training This track includes sessions specifically designed help you connect with your staff, improve your training protocols, and build leaders within your teams.

Leadership / Executive Development Are looking to expand your knowledge not just in aquatics, but, in other areas as well?

Then this track is for you. Topics cover expanding your career beyond aquatics, finding work-life balance, being a stronger manager, communication, and how to stay relevant in a changing industry.

Programming / Special Events / Partnerships This track covers various topics dealing with programming and special events. From swim lessons to aquatic fitness or large-scale events, learn from industry leaders and discuss innovative ways to improve programs, increase revenue, and build sustainable programs.

Risk Management / Legal Liability Risk Management and Legal Liability are the cornerstone of aquatics operations. This track covers all areas of risk management and liability for you as an aquatic operator and for your facility.

DEI/Special Needs This track covers various diversity and inclusion opportunities that you should consider while running and operating aquatic facilities to meet the needs of diverse communities.

MAHC Track This track is offered through a partnership with the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code to provide education on the code and how to run and operate your facilities in a safe and effective manner. This track covers all areas of the code and is presented by various experts in the field.

Technical/Operations Covering industry trends and common issues, this track is an opportunity to learn from subject matter experts.

Colleges/Universities Perfect for those working in the post-secondary education world.

VIEW THE FULL SESSION LIST

Monday FEBRUARY 3 Sawyer Key

Long Key

Bird / Indian

Tarpon Key

Welcome FirstTime AOAP Attendees!

8 - 8:30 am

8:30 - 9:30 am

General Session with Dr Seth Collings Hawkins Sponsored by Starfish Aquatics Institute

9:45 - 11:15 am

AOAP & NDPA Keynote & American Red Cross Awards Program Sponsored by American Red Cross

Swim Safe Swim Smart!

Brittany Kartchner & Sandi Cravens

11:45 am - 12:55 pm

Hazard Communication & Hazardous Materials for Pool Pros Lauren Broom

A "2 minute Drill"

3:40 - 4:50 pm

A New and Fun Way to Increase Your Teams Efficiency and Effectiveness

Wesley King

5 - 5:30 pm

Creativity Recess: Tools to Unlock Your Inner Brilliance Rich DiGirolamo

Finding the Balance at Inservice: The Dreaded FWord

AqP...It's For Me Joey Laneve

Nicole Deuvall

Lunch on Your Own! Take advantage of the ability to order

12:55 - 2:10 pm

2:10 - 3:20 pm

Palm / Sabal

NDPA Awards Ceremony Hosted by the NDPA Board of Directors

How to Run Programs for Swimmers with Autism, Anxiety, Sensory and Motor Challenges Ailene Tisser & Cindy Freedman

Deep Diving into Swimming Education: Where We've been and Where We're Heading Lake White

Incident Command System - Table Top Exercise David Kotz

DEI Best Practices Panel Kate Connell

Stop the Swim Lesson Registration Madness: There’s a Better Way

Feeling Drained? What Happens When They Decide to Close Your Pool?

Craig Merkey

Empower Employee Well Being

Work-Life Balance; How to Appear Like You Have It All! Renee Reis

Kelly Martinez

Kristie Riester

AOAP General Membership Meeting Hosted by the AOAP Board of Directors

Don’t miss the social at 7 pm!

Stay tuned for more information on this casual networking social!

Sawgrass

Snowy Egret

Royal Tern

Blue Heron

Water Safety in the School Library

Drowning Prevention Education for K12: Adapting to New Regulations, Compliance, and Environments

Pool

Parlor Room

Welcome FirstTime NDPA Attendees!

5th Edition MAHC Update Joe Laco

Engaging Populations at the Highest Risk of Drowning in Water Safety and Swim Lessons

Angela M Clark

Connie Harvey

Aquatic Technician School

Jennifer Poteat

8 am - 5 pm

r ahead, and remember that Tradewinds is a cashless resort!

Developing Effective Public/Private Partnerships in Public Health and NonGovernmental Entities

Jo An ZimmermannSomoza

Learning and Improving from Lifeguard Audits Johnathan Nies

US National Water Safety Action Plan Implementation, Implications and Guidance

Kristie Riester & David Dyjack

Safe Swim Project 2024 Texas State Autism Camp

USNWSAP Steering Committee

Lifesaving Partnerships: Crafting a 2nd Grade Swim Lesson Program with Local Schools Kasia Robbins

Budget-Friendly Tactics for Championing Water Safety in your Community Morgan Flynn

That's Right: You're Going to Pull Me From the Bottom and Ventilate Me in the Water!

Pete DeQuincy

Tuesday FEBRUARY 4 Sawyer Key

8 - 9 am

9:30 - 10:40 am

Assessing Barriers to Entry for Aquatics Employment to Hire and Retain Staff

Can you lead? The answer is YES!!

Michael Debrecht

Data Driven Summer Livin’: You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure Marty Mulgrew

User Groups and your EAP: Will they know what to do?

Jim Clark & Mari-Lynn Latta

2:45 - 3:55 pm

Are Your Zones Covered?

Stephanie Shook & Tim DeLucia

Just Freaking Lead!

Mark Abdo

4:15 - 5:25 pm

Tarpon Key

Palm / Sabal

Glade / Jasmine

Personality Workshop: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Leaders and Their Team

Diving Deeper into AOAP: We Want You!

More Than a Lifeguard, Maybe a Future Mayor?

Kelly Martinez

Ask Questions...

Talk Water Safety...

Learn About Resources and Take Action Alissa Magrum

Enable Lifeguards, Don't Just Empower Tonya Roy

Cory Hilderbrand & Craig Merkey

Teen Aquatic Safety Program (T.A.S.P.) Designing programs to fit the needs of the community Josh Holman

Kendal Kerbrat

Promoting Drowning Prevention: The AOAP Way! Manda Goff

Lunch on your own! Take advantage of order-ahea

12:10 - 1:15 pm

1:15 - 2:25 pm

Bird / Indian

General Session Sponsored by Families United to Prevent Drowning

Mari-Lynn Latta

11 am - 12:10 pm

Long Key

Building Bridges: Interagency Collaboration for Aquatic Safety and Success

Brooke Bothun

Creating a Splash: Building Diverse and Inclusive Aquatic Teams Stevie Weeks

We have enough lifeguards...

Now what?

Craig Sears & Aidan Bennett

Speaking the "Admin" Language Leslie Adams & Lori Di Guglielmo

VCBVentilations, CPR, and Bleeding: Drills for all Three Pete DeQuincy **Meet in the Banyan Breezeway**

Championing Competition: Key Strategies for Establishing and Running Lifeguard Competitions Erica Peace & Matt Ball

Open Water Swim Events: Planning, Preparation, and Process Richard D Carlson

Camp Waterfront Safety and Other Open Water Areas

The Aquatic Fitness Edge Andrea Velazquez

Tom Griffiths

Scott Ruddle

How Do Good Swimmers Drown: Let Me Count the Ways

A Look Into the 33 Agencies That Regulate, Control and Influence Our Aquatic Facility Design, Operation and Programing Richard Young

Addressing Long-Held Fear in Adult Learn-toSwim Classes

Using Metrics to Positively Influence The Industry

Tom Griffiths

Chidinma Obi Sedenu

How Can We Elevate the Profession of Lifeguard to That of Other First Responders?

Evan Moser

PurposeDriven Aquatic Business for Sustainability: "Keep Our Pools Open" Sue & Mick Nelson

Strategic Planning for Aquatic Safety Stevie Weeks

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening, 5:30 - 8 pm

Dinner will be served 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Visit the conference website for a full list of vendors!

Banyan / Citrus

From Decay to Oasis: Discovering Tomorrow's Aquatic Haven

Sawgrass

Cold Plunge Pool Safety

Sarah Cheshire

Royal Tern

Blue Heron

When & Why Drownings Occur with Lifeguards On Duty

Lessons from the Protect Swimmers 10M Free Swim Lesson Pilot Project

The Importance of Monitoring and Evaluating a Drowning Prevention Program

Maria Bella

Robert McDonald

Creating Impact Through Theory of Change in Drowning Prevention Education Angela Wild & Nathalie Martin

Snowy Egret

Energy Smart! How to Bring a Green Perspective to Our Blue Aquatics World Scott Bowron

Learn From This Guy's Dumb Mistakes and Grow Your Water Safety NonProfit Craig Sears

Laura Carlin Cochran

New National K12 PFD Education Standards and You! Kelli Toth

Pool

Kaia Dutler

Holding Vacation Rentals Accountable in Fatal or Near Fatal Drowning Cases Michael Haggard

All-Inclusive Aquatics Irene Pluim Mentz

Aquatic Technician School 8 am - 5 pm

ad, and remember that Tradewinds is a cashless resort!

Product Advancements in Water Safety and Drowning/Entr apment Prevention (Technology as a Layer of Protection) Alan Korn

The Amazing Power of Community Partners & WLSL 2025 Beth Root

Drowning Prevention Culture at Your Facility

Discover and Dive into Your Water Story

Underwater Hypoxic Blackout: Education and Prevention

Stay Tuned for an Exciting Session

Training & Development - An Expert Panel Discussion

Red Cross Quality Assurance and Compliance: Coaching for Performance

Outbreaks Associated with Splash Pads — United States, 1997– 2022

The Repercussions of Retention Pond Drownings

Rebrand the Stand!

Strengthening Lifeguard Representation

Disinfection for Dummies: Understanding Pool Sanitation for Non-Chemists Dewey Case

Think S.P.L.A.S.H.: Effortlessly bringing Water Safety Education to every Community

Matthew Reeves

Kevin Goodrich

Dewey Case & Johnathan Nies

Hannah Lawinger

Michael Haggard

Rich Specht

Alissa Magrum

Parlor Room

Kasia Robbins

Britt Jackson

HydroRevolution Andrea Velazquez

Wednesday FEBRUARY 5 Sawyer Key

8 - 9 am

9:30 - 10:40 am

Long Key

Bird / Indian

Tarpon Key

Palm / Sabal

Gla Jasm

General Session Featuring Shawn DeRosa Sponsored by Aquatics International

Aquatics Management for Guppies

TBD

Willa Suter & Tara Stewart

Training & Mentoring Senior Staff

Pooling your Resources: Leveraging NonAquatic staff; Success Stories from Arlington Parks and Recreation Courtni Anderson

Now and Beyond: Future Proofing Your Aquatic Space Melinda Pearson & Miklos Valdez

What’

Explo Today’s in Sust Pool H Solu Justin

Jim Wheeler

Revenue Rethink:

11 am - 12:10 pm

Unorthodox Methods to Boost Revenue Courtney Clay & Katie Paul

How to Keep Your Organization Relevant in a Changing Industry

Optimizing Lifeguard Zone Coverage and Staffing Plans Heather Brands

Pete DeQuincy

Rebuilding a Lifeguard Pipeline in Chicago

Andrew Walsh & Samuel Jorden

Aqu Technic

Connan C & Kev

12:30 - 1 pm

Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

1 - 3 pm

Exclusive Exhibit Hall Hou

3:15 - 4:25 pm

The Aquatics Pyramid of Communication Jehn Kubiak

4:45 - 5:55 pm

Dive Into Creating an Aquatics Fitness Program at Your Facility Patrick Wolfe

Creative Ways to Log More InService Hours Aaron Weaver & Robert "Bob" Bradley

Creating a Culture of Safety David Kotz

DANGER Debriefing Ahead!

Nicole E Johnson

Emergency Management: Taking care of your team, before and after an incident Shawn DeRosa & Tyler Anderson

Adapted Swim Instruction Training Needs: Results from a Survey of Aquatic Professionals at the 2023 AOAP Conference Tana Carson & Tania Santiago Perez

Inclusive Language for Aquatic Professionals Kate Connell

Building Successful School Based Learn to Swim Programs Mindy Dodge

Turnin Pool "G and W Wan

Marc S

Aqu Fac Opera Serv Trainin Ri Manag Legal L To

Topics your op to a b pla Rober Bradley Ba

Don’t miss the social at 7 pm!

License to Chill Dinner & Cruise on Yacht Starship - see page 8 for more information!

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uatic cal Talk

Campbell vin Post

Banyan / Citrus

Sawgrass

One Night Under the Big Top: Creating and Managing Big Events at Your Pool Dylan Evans & Robin Cousins

Introduction Performance Excellence in Aquatics - 101

Helena Machado

Snowy Egret

Royal Tern

Blue Heron

Longitudinal Study of Legionella in Residential Style Spas: Preliminary Findings and Results

The Hard Truth of Lifeguarding

Navigating Legislative Waters: Advocacy in Water Safety

Water Smarts: Evaluating the Water Safety Component of a Swimming Lesson Program

A Mathematical Model of the Concentration of Urea in Swimming Pool Water

Keeping Summer Camps and other organizations Safe in your pools

Maria Bella

David Krause & Dewey Case

Thomas Kuechler

Kori Delapena

Lisa Zarda

Pool

Nada Adibah

Mastering the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan: Tips, Tricks, and Hands-On Guidance Tina Dessart

Included with your full conference registration!

urs - Last chance to meet with the vendors!

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Solomon

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to bring perations better ace. rt "Bob" & Ronnie anks

Performance Excellence In Aquatics - 201 Helena Machado & Kevin Cronin

Rescue Ready.....or Not?

Richard D Carlson

Fixing a Problem Pool From a Health Inspector's Perspective Tom Fink & Ashley Ruminski

Heat Waves And Waves: Navigating Heat Stress in Aquatic Professions Johnathan Nies

From Disabled and Suicidal to Sensational and Successful: Inspiring Yet Tactical Plan to Supercharge Your Revenue and Reach Eric Lupton

Saving the Most Susceptible: Why Autistic Children Drown and What We Can Do to Prevent It Stacey Hoaglund

Development of a Process for Undertaking a Needs Assessment to Support Water Competency Programming Decisions

Serving the Underserved: A Team Effort Using the Layers of Partnership

Lindsay Mondick

Kristin Mabrouk

Forward to the Past – A 70-year retrospective on drowning prevention David Bell

Aqua Boxing

Andrea Velazquez & Paula Raphael

Thursday FEBRUARY 6 8:55 - 10:05 am Breakout Sessions Sawyer Key

Aquatic Programmers Roundtable

Glade

Women in Aquatics Roundtable

Banyan

Minorities in Aquatics Roundtable

Citrus

University Roundtable

Snowy Egret

Navigating the Waters: Balancing Risks and Rewards in Aquatic Pursuits with Sue Nelson

Royal Tern

Collecting Local Drowning Data to Inform Community Prevention Interventions with David Aguilar

Blue Heron

Autism, Anxiety and Special Needs Water Safety Toolkit Resources for Hosting a Community Event with Cindy Freedman

10:15 - 11:45 am Endnote Session Island Ballroom

Support AOAP Make a one-time or recurring donation to support education and drowning prevention programs!

EARN YOUR AQP IN 01

St Pete!

Renewal Applicant

Register for your new or renewal AqP online at - be sure to choose the 2025 Conference Attendee option. Use the QR codes here to choose the right option to enroll!

New Applicant

Register Online

03

Attend the Required Sessions at Conference

Complete the five (5) core educational sessions by attending in-person at the AOAP conference. You will have two (2) options for each category to fit into your schedule.

Core educational sessions are noted in the conference guide with a icon.

02

Upload Your Pre-Requisites Once enrolled, upload the required pre-requisites for new or renewal applicant no later than January 31, 2025.

04

Final Exam Bring your laptop and join us in Jasmine at 8:55 am on Thursday, February 6 to take your final AqP exam! New & renewal AqP candidates will be recognized at the closing session.

AOAP2025 Registration

ASSOCIATION OF AQUATIC PROFESSIONALS

CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION

FORM

Email First Name

Last Name

Title

Street Address City

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION Non-members should add $100 to all rates.

Circle the event & rate for which you are registering.

Event

*Non-Members add $100 to all rates*

Early

by Oct 1

Regular Oct 2 Dec 31

Late Jan 1 Jan 31

Last Minute After Jan 31

Full Conference Registration

$459

$509

$559

$584

PRE- & POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS Event Aquatic Technician School

*Add Full Conference Registration for $150*

Director’s School

*$50 Discount if Adding to Full Conference - MUST PAY BY CHECK*

Member

Non-Member

$459

$559

$459

$559

AFO Blended Learning Course

$395

Safety Plan Workshop

$150

Aquatic Venue Pulbic Health Inspector Workshop

$300

Making Waves: Innovations to Elevate Your Swim Lesson Program Workshop

$79

$99

Register online at https://bit.ly/3zkd1yL or return your registration form with check payment to 23060 E Oriole Way, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Organization

SAVE THE

Date

AOAP 2026 CONFERENCE & EXPO The Broadmoor Colorado Springs, CO

FEB 16-19, 2026

t i a w t ’ n a c e W n i u o y e e s to ! e t e P t S AOAP2025

ASSOCIATION OF AQUATIC PROFESSIONALS

CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION