Feature Story

May 2015

YMCA, NSPF Cooperate on Operator Training

YMCA of the USA is phasing out its current Pool Operator on Location (POOL) training program, and is replacing it with a training option aligned with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's Model Aquatic Health Code. As part of that commitment, Y-USA signed a preferred vendor agreement with the national Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) to deliver the Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) Certification.

"Adopting the CPO Certification program makes sense. It facilitates our compliance with the national standard of care outlined in the Model Aquatic Health Code issued by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)," said Cindy McDermott, national director of membership, YMCA of the USA. "Collaborating with the National Swimming Pool Foundation opens the door to a full spectrum of educational opportunities, including online training, Spanish materials and facility management courses."

The CPO Certification program is one of the most widely accepted pool operation certifications around the world, and has trained more than 400,000 people in 93 countries.

"The Y engages more people in aquatic programs than any other organization in the world. We are honored to have the opportunity to serve more of their staff to help them keep their pools safer, running more efficiently—and to bring healthier lives to a greater number of people through aquatics," said Michelle Kavanaugh, NSPF mission development director, US/Canada.

"This collaboration allows the Y to do what they do best and NSPF to do what we do best. The result is a win for the Y, win for the NSPF, and most importantly, a win for the people enjoying those great facilities," said Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO of the NSPF.

For more information on the CPO Certification, visit www.nspf.org.