By Kirsten Barnes
Aquatic managers will be the first to extol the virtues of lifeguards. Whether it’s taking up the fight to get lifeguards first responder status, marketing lifeguards as water safety superheroes, or simply recognizing the Model Aquatic Health Code’s positioning of lifeguards as “qualified staff,” aquatic managers work hard to make sure that their teams are seen as professionals on the pool deck.
Meanwhile, many aquatic managers find themselves facing an image issue. Many people associate aquatic facilities primarily with lifeguards, swim lessons, and recreational activities rather than complex management, risk assessment, and operational strategies. Because stakeholders in our organizations and our communities don’t understand the many moving pieces and high-risk responsibilities, it isn’t always treated as a specialized field requiring advanced knowledge.
The fact is that changing the perception from aquatics manager to aquatics expert is imperative to many in the field. Beyond having the respect of key stakeholders, being viewed as an “expert” can not only help when making the case to secure needed resources, but ultimately can help ensure the safety and success of your aquatic programs:
- Being viewed as an expert increases credibility and allows recommendations and decisions to carry more weight.
- Expert positioning also creates strong advocacy for safety and quality and can lead to increased support for safety measures, staffing, and training standards.
- Many aquatic professionals find they have better budgeting outcomes when expertise is behind a request.
- Expert status also allows aquatics professionals to build more significant support from the community and other departments; this can strengthen the position of your entire department when seeking funding or rolling out new programs.
Finally, being recognized as an expert or a leader in the field can open doors to improved professional opportunities.
How can aquatics professionals alter the perception of their role from “manager” to “expert”? Start with professional development:
Join professional organizations such as your state parks and recreation association, aquatic-specific organizations such as the Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP), United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), or the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA). Take your membership to the next level by getting involved and staying connected—join a committee, attend online meetings, and more!
Earn and maintain basic certifications such as lifeguarding, first aid, CPR, and water safety instructor.
Secure a qualified operator certification. The Model Aquatic Health Code (Section 6.1) recommends that operators complete training around water disinfection, water chemistry, mechanical systems, and health and safety operations. Whether you pursue your Aquatic Facility Operator, Certified Pool Operator, or other recognized certification, these credentials help establish that you have foundational operational knowledge and bring credibility to your recommendations. Even if your day-to-day responsibilities don’t include water chemistry, these courses are still paramount in working closely with your operational team and understanding the choices being made.
Pursue instructor trainer certification. Take your knowledge to the next level and position yourself to maintain your organization’s pipeline of lifeguards and water safety instructors by securing your instructor-trainer certification. Go one step further by utilizing these certifications to assist with dry-side training within your organization to put your instructor skills on display!
Pursue ongoing education. As an essential budget component, include annual training for you and your leadership team. Attend your state conference, get involved with your state association’s aquatic section, or pursue national opportunities like NRPA, or the AOAP/NDPA International Aquatics and Water Safety Conference and Exposition. If you don’t have a training budget, take advantage of online training opportunities. As you choose the types of training you’ll attend, be sure to diversify your studies around operations, risk management, leadership, staff development, drowning prevention, programming, and general education.
As you build your education portfolio, think about higher-level professional certifications:
- A highly-recognized certification within the recreation industry is NRPA’s Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) for beginning- to mid-level managers, and the Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) for managerial, administrative, and executive parks and recreation professionals.
- Specialized certifications for aquatics professionals include the Designated Aquatic Professional (AqP) through AOAP. This designation demonstrates that you have the required experience, certifications, education, and ongoing professional development to be recognized nationally for your qualifications.
Finally, share your expertise! Beyond training your team or leading departmental training, think about how to present yourself as an expert:
- Familiarize yourself with industry data and statistics, and use that information when communicating with key stakeholders in your organization and your community.
- Communicate professionally while keeping your audience in mind. Avoid industry jargon and give listeners context when you introduce professional terminology.
- Showcase your successes! Tell stories of positive program outcomes and share data about what’s happening at your facility (attendance and revenue, swim lessons, rescues, first aid provided, etc.) through formal reports and informal channels such as social media. RM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kirsten Barnes is assistant director of the Association of Aquatic Professionals. AOAP is a cutting-edge nonprofit with a mission to foster networking, education, advocacy and development opportunities for professionals across all areas of aquatics.