PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN COLUMBRES

New Model Aquatic Health Code Released MANAGEMENT/OPERATORS  July 18, 2018 100 New Model Aquatic Health Code Released

The new edition puts in place several changes regarding water quality, lifeguarding, chemical safety, indoor air quality and other aspects of commercial aquatics facilities.   By Rebecca Robledo

After two years of revision work, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the third edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code. In addition to fine-tuning of issues such as water quality, design and lifeguarding, the 2018 MAHC covers new territory, such as the design and operation of floatation tanks. The MAHC is a model code, meaning that it only takes effect in states and municipal jurisdictions that adopt it. So far, four states, one Canadian province and three government agencies have adopted the model code in part or full. Currently, 18 states and counties are in the process or considering adoption. Some lifeguard changes have been instituted. In areas that adopted the 2018 MAHC, aquatics venues that serve alcohol must have lifeguards on duty. Additionally, lifeguards must have personal protective equipment on their persons or rescue tubes. And the new code includes fine-tuning of glare assessment for lifeguard positioning.  READ MORE…

Source: https://www.aquaticsintl.com/facilities/management-operators/new-model-aquatic-health-code-released_o

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Plans for a new aquatic center are in the works with the goal of serving southwest Allen County.The large facility would be home to competitive swimming and diving, learn-to-swim courses and even physical therapy classes.

Source: Fundraising underway for new Aquatic Center | WANE

The Russellville Aquatic Center has generated over $100,000 in income in its first three months of being open, according to officials at the center and in the parks and recreation….READ MORE by clicking the link below:

Source: TheLocalRundown.com : New aquatic center in Russellville earns $100,000+ in three months | Regional News | magnoliareporter.com

Statement from DPR Director – Keith A. Anderson on Incident at Rumsey Aquatic CenterDistrict of Columbia sent this bulletin at 08/14/2017 04:38 PM EDTFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 14, 2017
Statement from DPR Director – Keith A. Anderson on Incident at Rumsey Aquatic CenterDPR

Media Contacts: John Stokes (202) 288-7275, john.stokes@dc.gov

On Sunday, August 13, there was an unfortunate incident at the Rumsey Aquatic Center at Eastern Market. While at no point was the safety of our guests at risk, the incident did involve an individual being asked to leave the facility due to offensive language and inappropriate behavior.At approximately 2:45 p.m., an individual entered the facility and proceeded to the pool deck, where he sat down and began charging his electronic device. The individual had visible drawings on his body of swastikas, upside down crosses, and “666.” Several guests raised concerns to DPR lifeguards about the individual being on the pool deck, but not using the pool. A DPR lifeguard responded by trying to speak with the individual. At this point, the individual became irate, repeatedly and aggressively using offensive language towards the lifeguard. As the situation began to escalate, a second lifeguard intervened, and the police were called. Once officers from the Protective Services Division arrived, the individual was escorted out of the facility. The pool remained closed for about 30 minutes after the incident while staff cleaned up glass from a door window that was accidentally broken while the second lifeguard was assisting with deescalating the situation. To be clear, there was no physical contact between the individual who was asked to leave and any staff or guests at the facility.Going forward, we will continue to stand by and promote our DC values of inclusivity and diversity. DPR’s mission is to provide universal access to parks and recreation services. We want to reassure our guests that while the agency does not deny access to programs or facilities based on personal appearance, we do require that all guests and employees treat one another with respect. DPR thanks the members of the community who offered our lifeguards support during and after this disturbing incident.About DPRThe DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping, and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.

Source: https://content.govdelivery.com from DPR Director – Keith A. Anderson on Incident at Rumsey Aquatic Center

Callan Lennington, 7, Tadd Lennington, 5, and Elias Johnston, 7, jump into the pool at the Castaic Sports Complex Aquatic Center on Friday. KATHARINE LOTZE/SIgnal. Gina Ender

While summer vacation is over and school is back in session in the Santa Clarita Valley, extra funding from Los Angeles County means summer swim programs in Castaic will be extended until Oct. 31.With an additional $143,000 in funding approved for the Castaic Aquatic Center by Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, both child and adult swim programs will continue to be available.“I’m pleased that the community will continue to have access to these aquatic programs for an extended period of time,” Barger said in a statement. “I know they are very popular among area residents and I’m happy they will be offered beyond the summer season.”  Read more…

Source: Castaic Aquatic Center to stay open through October – Santa Clarita Valley Signal

SUMMIT, NJ – The opportunity to capture the coveted title of ‘Best Group Float’ will be among the honors up for grabs when “The Best Float Night Ever” takes place August 16, from 6 – 8 p.m., at the Summit Family Aquatic Center (SFAC). Members and paid guests are invited to attend.The event will begin with a float parade around the pool. In addition to ‘Best Group’, prizes will be awarded in the following categories: ‘Biggest’, ‘Funniest’, ‘Best Overall’, and ‘Best Under the Sea’, with a DJ, water slide, bounce house, and games with Mr. Fun by the Leisure Pool all also part of the festivities.The event rain date is August 23.The Summit Family Aquatic Center is located at 100 Ashwood Avenue.

Source: Air and Water: Summit Aquatic Center Hosts ‘Best Float Night Ever’ Aug. 16 – Summit NJ News – TAPinto

Now Accepting Submissions for the 2017 Best of AquaticsEnter your facility today for a chance to earn a 2017 Best of Aquatics AwardIt’s that time again. We’re seeking facilities who are deserving of the title Best of Aquatics, our annual program that celebrates the industry’s outstanding pools and waterparks that excel in one, highly relevant area. This contest recognizes what facilities do best, from programming and community outreach to lifeguard training and management. All aquatics professionals are invited to enter.  Read more…

Source: http://www.aquaticsintl.com

The federal government is making 15,000 more foreign workers available to employers, but pool managers likely won’t benefit.

By Nate Traylor

The Dept. of Homeland Security recently raised the number of H-2B visas from 66,000 to 81,000 this fiscal year, deepening the talent pool for U.S. employers in need of seasonal workers. But with swim season winding down, pool management firms say it’s too late in the game to benefit.“There wouldn’t be any employees who’d want to come here for just a month,” said the representative of a pool management company who wished to remain anonymous. (These firms often speak on the condition of anonymity, citing concerns about competition.)That echoes the sentiments of many other seasonal industries that feel the expansion is well intended but ill-timed. The program permits non-skilled, non-agricultural foreign laborers to work short-term in seasonal industries, and it can take up to 90 days for applications to be approved. Read More…

Source: http://www.aquaticsintl.com