AOAP Blog

This blog is designed for both childcare leaders and aquatic facility operators, outlining why unguarded swimming environments pose unacceptable risks, the challenges of maintaining proper lifeguard staffing, and why partnering with fully lifeguarded facilities that follow established safety standards regarding childcare programs is the safest choice for everyone involved.

The New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance was recently honored at the 61st Annual Honoree Induction Weekend for the International Swimming Hall of Fame. The NJSSA was honored along with the Class of 2026 including Olympians, worldwide aquatics champions, trailblazers, and innovators.

Aquatics has always been a profession grounded in technical excellence. We train rescues repeatedly until responses become instinctive. We understand water chemistry, facility systems, and regulatory standards. We build schedules, conduct inspections, and maintain documentation because lives and public trust depend on it. Yet many of the situations that create the greatest operational stress in aquatic facilities are not mechanical failures or emergency rescues. They are huma

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, and it can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether at a pool, beach, or even a bathtub, water poses a significant risk if proper precautions are not taken. As families, it is crucial to understand the importance of drowning prevention and implement safety measures to protect our loved ones. This blog post will provide essential tips and strategies to help families stay safe around water. Eye-level view of a child we

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide, particularly among children. Each year, thousands of lives are lost due to preventable drowning incidents. As a community, we can take significant steps to reduce these tragedies. One effective way to contribute to drowning prevention is by joining organizations like the Association of Aquatic Professionals. This blog post will explore the various membership benefits offered by AOAP and how they play a cruci

Most aquatic leaders agree Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) matters. Where many get stuck is the “how.” Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) training in aquatics cannot feel abstract, political, or disconnected from operations. If it does, staff disengage quickly. The key is designing training that is operationally relevant, legally grounded, skill-based, and embedded into existing systems instead of treated as a standalone initiative. The followin

Every aquatic professional knows that drowning prevention extends well beyond what happens in the water. It involves everything surrounding a drowning event: who was present, where it happened, what protective factors were or were not in place, and what the chain of response looked like from the moment of the incident through to the medical examiner's report. A study published in Injury Epidemiology earlier this year brings that reality into scientific focus, and its findings

Whether it’s your first AOAP Conference or your 10th, whether you’re brand new to aquatics or you literally bleed chlorine, this week is going to challenge your brain, your body, and your social battery. You’ll walk away smarter, inspired, and possibly needing a nap. AOAP is a place to network, learn, and spend time with people who also know the challenges of working with teenagers and never-ending pump room alarms. It’s your chance to think bigger, try new ideas, and maybe

Neurodiversity is not new to aquatics. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that while aquatics professionals are committed to inclusive practice, many feel underprepared to meet the wide range of needs they encounter on deck and in the water. To better understand how aquatics leaders, instructors, and trainers are experiencing neurodiversity in their programs, AOAP collected survey responses from experienced professionals across the field. The results offer an ho

Swim tests are more than a quick dip across the pool. They’re a critical safety checkpoint that protects swimmers, reassures families, and shields facilities from liability. For many patrons, it’s their first interaction with your lifeguard team, which makes it not just about safety but also about setting the tone for their overall experience. Running swim tests well is an art: it requires trained and confident lifeguards, clear communication, consistent standards, and airtig

Opinion Imagine a crowded pool on a summer afternoon, one lifeguard, lots of swimmers, and a single moment of distraction. Is this still an acceptable standard of care in 2025? Across the country, many aquatic facilities continue to rely on single lifeguard coverage. But evolving standards, and real-world incidents suggest that this model may no longer be sufficient—or safe. Some states and local jurisdictions mandate two lifeguards for public pools, especially those with hig

As we close the chapter on another remarkable year, we enter a special moment in our journey—the celebration of our 15th anniversary! Reflecting on our history, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible strides we have made together in drowning prevention. This milestone is not only a testament to our commitment but also to the unwavering support from our entire aquatics community. Over the past year, we’ve successfully implemented numerous initiatives aimed at raising

Drowning is a preventable tragedy that claims lives across the globe. There are an estimated 300,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide, with children aged under 5 years accounting for nearly a quarter of all drowning deaths. In response to this urgent public health crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a comprehensive Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention, bringing together diverse stakeholders to coordinate efforts and save lives. Here in the United Stat

Aquatic professionals rely on many sources of information when making decisions about programs, safety, training, and policy. Some of that information comes from formal research, while other guidance comes from long-standing best practices that have proven effective across settings. Knowing how to distinguish strong research from anecdote and how to integrate both research and best practices into real-world decision-making is essential for anyone working to reduce drowning an

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) training is essential for creating a workplace culture that values all employees and ensures that every patron feels welcome. In the aquatic industry, where staff interact with diverse communities daily, providing inclusive training is not just a best practice—it is a necessity. A well-trained team that understands DEIJ principles is better equipped to handle situations with cultural awareness, reduce biases in decision-making,

The 2026 AOAP Director's School offers a premier aquatics training experience, built on the unparalleled expertise of its faculty. This multi-year program features highly experienced and recognized leaders from across the aquatics industry, ensuring attendees receive comprehensive, high-quality instruction. From risk management and legal considerations to inclusive practices and leadership development, the school's diverse faculty provides a wealth of real-world knowledge. He

If you manage, maintain, or troubleshoot aquatic facilities, you know the job demands more than textbook knowledge: it requires hands-on skill, sharp problem-solving, and staying ahead of evolving technologies. That’s why the AOAP Aquatic Technician School is making waves in 2026 with a bold new format designed to elevate your expertise. 🔧 Real Tools, Real Training Gone are the days of passive lectures. The 2026 program is built around 50% hands-on learning, giving technicia

The deadline for applications is September 15, 5 pm Eastern Time. Kathie Luecker, one of the original founders of AOAP, Lincoln Aquatics Each year at the conference, we host a Silent Auction, 50/50, and Cork Pull to raise funds for the AOAP “Kathie Luecker Memorial” Conference Scholarship and our Life Jacket and Swim Lessons Grants, available to current AOAP members. The amount provided will depend on the number of applications we receive for that specific year. Yes! This

In a world full of screen time and sedentary habits, there’s one place where young children can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally—the pool. While it may seem like just splashing around, early swim exposure offers benefits that ripple far beyond water safety. It’s a journey that starts with floating and kicks off a lifetime of confidence, coordination, and community. Let’s dive into why encouraging kids to hit the pool early isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Water Sa

More About the AOAP Member Discounts at Kiefer Aquatics AOAP Members are eligible for the following discounts: 40% Off MSRP on all Kiefer/RISE Guard Apparel and Suits Additional 10% discount on all Kiefer Guard Equipment, Kiefer Facility Equipment and Kiefer Swimming Gear. 30% off MSRP Speedo, TYR, Arena, NIKE, Dolfin, A3 brand equipment, suits and apparel. Free shipping on orders over $39 (excluding oversized items) How to Receive Your Discount Receiving your discount is eas