AOAP Blog

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

Managing public spaces like aquatic facilities comes with unique challenges, from handling upset patrons to enforcing safety rules and responding to emergencies. As an aquatic professional, your role isn’t just about enforcing rules but about creating a culture of respect, safety, and understanding. De-escalation is more than diffusing tension—it’s about ensuring that all individuals feel heard, respected, and safe. Understanding Escalation in Aquatic Settings Escalation happ

Barriers to accessibility in aquatics has always been an issue. Systemic barriers like lack of access to affordable swim programs, transportation, lack of reliability, and lack of access to water are a few ways that make it difficult to hire and retain staff. While the lifeguard shortage has been shifting, there are still communities struggling to retain staff. Reducing some of these barriers can help employers staff their pools with quality candidates and retain them for the

The Overlooked First Responders When we think of first responders, we often think of firefighters, paramedics, or police officers, but what about lifeguards and aquatic staff? These professionals are responsible for life safety at pools, beaches, and waterparks, yet they’ve been dubbed the “forgotten first responders.” Unlike other emergency responders, aquatic personnel have little research or formal support systems addressing the mental health toll of their work, especially

By Ailene Tisser, PT and co-founder of Swim Angelfish We are approaching the time of year when we are conducting staff performance reviews, budgeting for next year’s program growth and development, and critically evaluating how we can make our swim lessons even better. As you’re talking to your team of swim instructors, you might be identifying a common skill gap. We’ve noticed that there is a growing need for teaching staff to be better prepared for those amazing swimmers we

By the Conference Education Committee If you’re in the aquatics profession, you already know the importance of continuing education, innovation, and staying ahead of industry trends. But when budgets get tight, travel and conference expenses are often among the first items to be cut and that can be a missed opportunity. Sending your staff to the International Aquatics & Water Safety Conference and Exposition, an event presented by The Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOA

First aid is not just about knowing how to respond in an emergency, it is also about ensuring that response is equitable, respectful, and effective for every individual. Traditional first aid training often takes a one-size-fits-all approach, but as aquatic professionals, it is important to recognize that diverse identities, experiences, and needs impact both how care is provided and how it is received. By integrating principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (D

Water safety: it's something we want everyone to have. But for some of our swimmers, particularly those with Autism and sensory sensitivities, the idea of comfortably going underwater can be a real struggle, causing a lot of anxiety. It makes you wonder, how can we truly teach them to be safe in the water if this first step feels so difficult? Developing comfort with submersion is a key element in transforming a potentially frightening experience into a manageable one, and i

It’s almost time again - the submission deadline for the Annual International Aquatics and Water Safety Conference is coming up on August 15! If you’ve ever thought about submitting but didn’t know where to start - or maybe you submitted previously and weren’t selected - we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you write the strongest proposal possible. Why Should You Consider Submitting? Before we go on, there are a lot of reasons to consider submitting - and then speaking! -

Joining the Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) is so much more than joining a professional organization. You are joining a community of dedicated aquatic professionals from around the world that make positive impacts in their communities related to water safety and recreation. As an AOAP Board Member and President-Elect, I want to take this opportunity to highlight some of the amazing member benefits that this Association has to offer. Member-Only Resources Did you

Language is one of the most powerful tools we have as aquatic professionals. The words we choose not only influence how staff and patrons feel in our facilities but also impact whether our spaces are truly welcoming and accessible to all. Inclusive language isn’t about being politically correct, it’s about being intentional, respectful, and ensuring that everyone who interacts with our aquatic programs feels valued and included. By using inclusive language, we can: Foster an

Summer. The sound of splashing, buckets dumping, and children laughing with glee. It is a sound that has become synonymous with summer, synonymous with fun, synonymous with childhood. It allows children of all ages, regardless of their swimming proficiency – or lack thereof – to enjoy the water. But behind this laughter and children splashing each other and spraying each other lies an ever-present risk. Cryptosporidium. Giardia. Naegleria Fowleri. Illness. Sometimes m

This blog post is a recap of the 2025 AOAP Conference Presentation. As we step into the third year of the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan (USNWSAP), there is a growing opportunity—and responsibility—for water safety professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to turn awareness into action. The USNWSAP is not just a document; it’s a national roadmap designed to reduce drowning across the country through targeted, evidence-informed strategies. Whether you’re lead

I’m not sure about everyone, but my best ideas come to me when my mind is open. Lifeguarding 2 lap swimmers at 5:30am happened to be one of those times for me – the words “life jacket drive” flashed through my head. As soon as I was able to take a break, I texted my supervisor to see if she liked the idea. After an enthusiastic “this is amazing! We will talk when I get in” text, I started planning. Let the Idea Blossom “What is a lifejacket drive?” “How do I explain this idea

Understanding Pool Pump Electrical Systems Maintaining clean and clear swimming pool water depends on pool pumps, which also depend on intricate electrical systems to operate as they should. Knowing these systems' workings will enable pool owners to guarantee their pump runs effectively and ensure a pool stays operational. Key Components of a Pool Pump’s Electrical System The electrical system of a pool pump consists of numerous important parts: the motor, capacitor, wire, ci

As camp season kicks off and the pool deck starts to buzz with young swimmers and busy counselors, aquatic supervisors play a key role in making sure every visit runs safely and smoothly. While it’s tempting to jump right into logistics, the real success of a camp visit starts before the kids even walk through the gates. Whether you host one group a week or several a day, taking the time to train camp staff on your site-specific policies and procedures sets the tone for safet

Aquatic safety isn’t just important—it’s essential! The Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) has your back with resources designed to help you keep things safe, secure, and above all, fun! One of the best perks of being an AOAP member is access to the exclusive Aquatic Safety Plan & Checklist. Ready to make a splash with safety? Head over to aquaticpros.org to get started! The AOAP Aquatic Safety Plan: Your Lifeguard to Safety Risk Assessment: Dive Deep into identifyin

Excellence is often described as the result of relentless dedication, accumulated knowledge, and the ability to transform experience into mastery. This philosophy is at the core of the journey outlined in the multi-year aquatics leadership program, AOAP Director’s School, where professionals come together to elevate their skills, collaborate, and redefine standards in aquatic management. Through a robust and thoughtfully planned schedule, Director’s School demonstrates how ex

Every aquatic professional remembers the moment a routine day stopped being routine. A whistle blast that sounded different. A radio call that changed tone. A rescue that unfolded faster or messier than training scenarios ever suggested it would. Across facilities of every size, lifeguards encounter critical incidents that stay with them long after the deck clears. Conversations emerging through ILCIRA’s work continue to reinforce what many leaders already recognize: certific