2025 Conference Guide by Association of Aquatic Professionals

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

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

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 Conference

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

REGISTRATION

F U L L C O N F E R E N C E R E G I S T R A T I O N

Early Registration (by Oct 1, 2024)

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

Late Registration (after Jan. 2, 2025)

Last Minute Registration (after Feb 1, 2025)

$459 $559

W

H A T

’ S

I N C L U D E D ?

Full Conference

$509 $609

$559 $659

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!

$584 $684

Wednesday night social / dinner tickets are currently SOLD OUT

THINGS TO Know

W H O S H O U L D A T T E N D ?

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

R E F U N D S & C A N C E L L A T I O N S

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.

G R O U P R E G I S T R A T I O N D I S C O U N T

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.

G E T T I N G T O C O N F E R E N C E

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.

AT-A-GLANCE Schedule

Sunday, February 2

Monday, February 3

Tuesday, February 4

Wednesday, February 5

Thursday, February 6

Friday & Saturday, February 7 & 8

Registration Open 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Pre-Conference Events

Separate Registration Required - See page 10 for more information!

Registration Open 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

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

Registration Open 7:45 am - 6 pm

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

Registration Open 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

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

Registration Open 8:30 - 11:15 am

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

Post-Conference Events

Separate Registration Required - See page 10 for more information!

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

SESSIONS General

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

O C I A L S

S

O P E N I N G S O C I A L

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!

SoldOut!

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 HALLHappenings

E X H I B I T H A L L G R A N D O P E N I N G

T U E S D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 4 | 5 : 3 0 - 8 P M

PRE- & POST C Workshops

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 A Q U A T I C F A C I L

S A F E T Y P L A N W O R K S H O P

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

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

( A F O ) - B L E N D E D

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.

M A K I N G W A V E S

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

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

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

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

F A C I L I T Y T O U R

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

GOLF

MONDAY, FEB 3 Tournament 12PM

Sponsoredby by Solenis Bayou Golf Club - Largo, FL $95 / Player

REGISTRATION INCLUDES LUNCH BEFORE TEE OFF, 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

F E E S *

$459 AOAP Member

$559 Non-Member

W H A T ’ S

I N C L U D E D ?

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 SCHOOL Technician

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

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

Monday FEBRUARY3

SawyerKey LongKey Bird/Indian TarponKey Palm/Sabal

8-8:30am

8:30-9:30am GeneralSessionwithDrSethCollingsHawkins SponsoredbyStarfishAquaticsInstitute

9:45-11:15am AOAP&NDPAKeynote&AmericanRedCrossAwardsProgram SponsoredbyAmericanRedCross

WelcomeFirstTimeAOAP Attendees!

11:45am-12:55 pm

SwimSafeSwimSmart! BrittanyKartchner &SandiCravens

Creativity Recess:Toolsto UnlockYour InnerBrilliance RichDiGirolamo

Findingthe BalanceatInservice: TheDreadedFWord NicoleDeuvall

AqP...It'sForMe JoeyLaneve

12:55-2:10pm LunchonYourOwn!Takeadvantageoftheabilitytoorder

2:10-3:20pm Hazard Communication& Hazardous Materialsfor PoolPros LaurenBroom

HowtoRun Programsfor Swimmerswith Autism,Anxiety, Sensoryand Motor Challenges AileneTisser& CindyFreedman Incident Command System-Table TopExercise DavidKotz

3:40-4:50pm

5-5:30pm

A"2minuteDrill" ANewandFunWay toIncreaseYour TeamsEfficiency andEffectiveness WesleyKing

NDPAAwards Ceremony Hostedbythe NDPABoardof Directors

DeepDivinginto Swimming Education:Where We'vebeenand WhereWe're Heading LakeWhite

DEIBest PracticesPanel KateConnell

StoptheSwim Lesson Registration Madness: There’saBetter Way KellyMartinez

Empower EmployeeWell Being KristieRiester

Feeling Drained?What HappensWhen TheyDecideto CloseYour Pool? CraigMerkey

Work-Life Balance;Howto AppearLikeYou HaveItAll! ReneeReis

AOAPGeneral Membership Meeting Hostedbythe AOAPBoardof Directors

Don’t miss the social at 7 pm!

Stay tuned for more information on this casual networking social!

Sawgrass SnowyEgret RoyalTern BlueHeron Pool ParlorRoom

WelcomeFirstTimeNDPA Attendees!

5thEdition

MAHCUpdate JoeLaco

Drowning Prevention EducationforK12:Adaptingto New Regulations, Compliance, and Environments JenniferPoteat ahead,andrememberthatTradewindsisacashlessresort!

Developing Effective Public/Private Partnershipsin PublicHealth andNonGovernmental Entities

KristieRiester& DavidDyjack

Learningand Improvingfrom LifeguardAudits JohnathanNies

Engaging Populationsat theHighestRisk ofDrowningin WaterSafety andSwim Lessons ConnieHarvey WaterSafetyin theSchool Library AngelaMClark

SafeSwim Project2024TexasState AutismCamp

JoAnZimmermannSomoza

USNational WaterSafety ActionPlan Implementation, Implications andGuidance USNWSAPSteering Committee

Lifesaving Partnerships: Craftinga2nd GradeSwim LessonProgram withLocal Schools KasiaRobbins

Budget-Friendly Tacticsfor Championing WaterSafetyin yourCommunity MorganFlynn

That'sRight: You'reGoingto PullMeFrom theBottomand VentilateMein theWater! PeteDeQuincy

Aquatic TechnicianSchool 8am-5pm

Tuesday FEBRUARY4

8 - 9 am

9:30 - 10:40 am

General Session Sponsored by Families United to Prevent Drowning

Assessing Barriers to Entry for Aquatics Employment to Hire and Retain Staff Mari-Lynn Latta

Data DrivenSummer Livin’: You Can’t Manage What You Don’t

Measure Marty Mulgrew

11 am - 12:10 pm

12:10 - 1:15 pm

Can you lead? The answer is YES!! Michael Debrecht

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

Jim Clark & Mari-Lynn Latta

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

Ask Questions Talk Water Safety Learn About Resources and Take Action

Alissa Magrum

Diving Deeper into AOAP: We Want You!

Cory Hilderbrand & Craig Merkey

1:15 - 2:25 pm

Are Your Zones Covered? Stephanie Shook & Tim DeLucia

2:45 - 3:55 pm Just Freaking Lead!

Mark Abdo

Creating a Splash: Building Diverse and Inclusive Aquatic Teams

Stevie Weeks

Enable Lifeguards, Don't Just Empower Tonya Roy

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

Josh Holman

More Than a Lifeguard, Maybe a Future Mayor?

Kendal Kerbrat

Promoting Drowning Prevention: The AOAP Way!

Manda Goff

Lunch on your own! Take advantage of order-ahea

VCBVentilations, CPR, and Bleeding: Drills for all Three Pete DeQuincy

**Meet in the Banyan Breezeway**

Camp Waterfront Safety and Other Open Water Areas

Tom Griffiths

The Aquatic Fitness Edge

Andrea Velazquez

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

Scott Ruddle

We have enough lifeguards Now what?

Craig Sears & Aidan Bennett

Championing Competition: Key Strategies for Establishing and Running Lifeguard Competitions

Erica Peace & Matt Ball

How Do Good Swimmers

Drown: Let Me Count the Ways Tom Griffiths

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

Richard Young

PurposeDriven Aquatic Business for Sustainability: "Keep Our Pools Open"

Sue & Mick Nelson

4:15 - 5:25 pm

Building Bridges: Interagency Collaboration for Aquatic Safety and Success

Brooke Bothun

Speaking the "Admin" Language

Leslie Adams & Lori Di Guglielmo

Open Water Swim Events: Planning, Preparation, and Process

Richard D Carlson

Addressing Long-Held Fear in Adult Learn-toSwim Classes

Chidinma Obi Sedenu

Using Metrics to Positively Influence The Industry

Evan Moser

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 Sawgrass

From Decay to Oasis: Discovering Tomorrow's Aquatic Haven

Robert McDonald

Snowy Egret

Royal Tern Blue Heron

Pool Parlor Room

Creating Impact Through Theory of Change in Drowning Prevention

Education

Angela Wild & Nathalie Martin

Cold Plunge Pool Safety

Sarah Cheshire

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

Scott Bowron

When & Why Drownings Occur with Lifeguards On Duty

Maria Bella

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

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

Laura Carlin Cochran

Craig Sears New National K12 PFD Education Standards and You!

Kelli Toth

d, and remember that Tradewinds is a cashless resort!

Stay Tuned for an Exciting Session

Red Cross Quality Assurance and Compliance: Coaching for Performance

Matthew Reeves

Training & Development - An Expert Panel Discussion

Dewey Case & Johnathan Nies

Outbreaks Associated with Splash Pads United States, 1997–2022

Hannah Lawinger

Rebrand the Stand! Strengthening Lifeguard Representation

Kevin Goodrich

Disinfection for Dummies: Understanding Pool Sanitation for Non-Chemists

Dewey Case

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

Alan Korn

The Repercussions of Retention Pond Drownings

Michael Haggard

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

Rich Specht

The Amazing Power of Community Partners & WLSL 2025

Beth Root

Discover and Dive into Your Water Story

Alissa Magrum

The Importance of Monitoring and Evaluating a Drowning Prevention Program

Kaia Dutler

Holding Vacation Rentals Accountable in Fatal or Near Fatal Drowning Cases

Michael Haggard

Drowning Prevention Culture at Your Facility

Kasia Robbins

Underwater Hypoxic Blackout: Education and Prevention

Britt Jackson

All-Inclusive Aquatics

Irene Pluim Mentz

Aquatic Technician School

8 am - 5 pm

HydroRevolution

Andrea Velazquez

WednesdayFEBRUARY5

Don’t miss the social at 7 pm!

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

ade / mine Banyan / Citrus Sawgrass

’s Hot: oring s Trends ainable Heating tions Caron

uatic cal Talk Campbell in Post

One Night Under the Big Top: Creating and Managing Big Events at Your Pool

Dylan Evans & Robin Cousins

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

David Krause & Dewey Case

IntroductionPerformance Excellence in Aquatics - 101 Helena Machado A Mathematical Model of the Concentration of Urea in Swimming Pool Water

Thomas Kuechler

The Hard Truth of Lifeguarding

Maria Bella

Keeping Summer Camps and other organizations Safe in your pools

Kori Delapena

Navigating Legislative Waters: Advocacy in Water Safety

Lisa Zarda

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!

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

Nada Adibah

ng Your Green" Why You nt To Solomon Performance Excellence In Aquatics - 201 Helena Machado & Kevin Cronin

Fixing a Problem PoolFrom a Health Inspector's Perspective

Tom Fink & Ashley Ruminski From Disabled and Suicidal to Sensational and Successful: Inspiring Yet Tactical Plan to Supercharge Your Revenue and Reach Eric Lupton

uatic cility ator Invice ng as a isk gement/ Liability ool to bring erations better ace t "Bob" & Ronnie nks Rescue Ready.....or Not?

Richard D Carlson

Heat Waves And Waves: Navigating Heat Stress in Aquatic Professions

Johnathan Nies

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

Lindsay Mondick

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

Stacey Hoaglund

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

Kristin Mabrouk

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

David Bell Aqua Boxing

Andrea Velazquez & Paula Raphael

Snowy Egret

Royal Tern Blue Heron

Pool

ThursdayFEBRUARY6

8:55 - 10:05 am Breakout Sessions

Sawyer Key

Glade

Banyan

Aquatic Programmers Roundtable

Women in Aquatics Roundtable

Minorities in Aquatics Roundtable

Citrus University Roundtable

Snowy Egret

Royal Tern

Blue Heron

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

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

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

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

EARN YOUR AQP IN

St Pete!

01 Register Online

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!

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.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

FEB 16-19, 2026

Wecan’twait toseeyouin StPete!

ASSOCIATION OF AQUATIC PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION