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Dustin Kephart – October 2026
AOAP-Competitor Aquatic Professional of the Month
Aaron Weaver, Aquatic Program Director - Raleigh, North Carolina
I have spent more than 20 years in the aquatics industry, beginning my career as a Water Attendant and working my way through roles including Lifeguard, Waterpark Supervisor, Recreation Lead Supervisor, Waterpark Aquatics Manager, and now Assistant Aquatics Operations Manager at Massanutten Resort in Virginia.
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Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to take part in some unique and meaningful experiences. I have assisted with organizing and running the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at Massanutten WaterPark, helping promote the importance of swimming lessons, water competency, and drowning prevention.
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One experience I am especially proud of has been working with groups from the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI). I have had the opportunity to teach participants about water safety as well as basic CPR and first aid. Experiences like these have shown me how important it is to make lifesaving education accessible, practical, and meaningful for everyone.
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Training and developing others is one of my favorite parts of working in aquatics. My team and I certify more than 250 people annually through American Red Cross programs, and I enjoy watching new lifeguards and aquatic professionals develop their skills, confidence, and leadership abilities. Today, I help oversee six aquatic facilities, including an indoor/outdoor waterpark, and help lead approximately 150 employees.
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Even after more than two decades in aquatics, I still enjoy learning, teaching, mentoring others, and finding new ways to promote water safety and make a positive impact in my community and the aquatics profession.
THE AWARD
Competitor Aquatics Professional of the Month is a recurring AOAP feature shedding light on an Aquatics Professional who has risen above the competition. As with any item of recognition, Competitor Aquatics Professional of the Month is a subjective exercise meant to highlight one aquatic professional whose work holds noteworthy context – perhaps a manager who was clearly in the limelight, or one whose work fell through the cracks a bit more among other stories. If your favorite aquatics director wasn’t selected, feel free to submit their name and information below for future consideration (they must be a member of AOAP to be considered).
About Competitor Swim
Competitor Swim is a global leader in the manufacturing of competitive swim park hardware, racing lanes, and pace clocks. Established in 1960, the company has been a long-standing supporter of aquatic safety and professional excellence, proudly partnering with AOAP to recognize the dedicated professionals who keep our communities safe and active in the water.