The year 2020 was not a kind one for a huge number of industries and people, and aquatics were among those that felt the pain. Some facilities never opened. Others opened much later than usual. And many, when they did open, had to keep locker rooms closed and strictly limit the number of visitors in the facility at any one time.

Any Steely Dan fans? Possibly one of the best starts to a second side ever, isn't it? And if you don't know what I'm talking about, well … I'm not the sort who minds aging myself. It's one of those songs that connects to a specific moment, for me

NIRSA began as the National Intramural Association in 1950 when Founder Dr. William Wasson, recognizing a need for knowledge and shared community within the profession, convened a meeting of 20 representatives from 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in New Orleans, the first conference for the organization.

With more than a decade of industry-wide research under our belt, in 2018, Recreation Management launched our first Aquatic Trends Report. Last year, we expanded further on this concept, and created our first pull-out report on aquatic trends.

It is safe to assume that not a single stakeholder in the aquatics industry—from pool owners and operators to lifeguards and other staff members to the public who eagerly show up to learn to swim, exercise and just generally enjoy the water—avoided feeling some impact from the ongoing closures and changes to business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expanding on our In Service column about the American Camp Association, we take a look at how many camps were able to adjust to the pandemic, institute new practices and operate successfully and safely based on the organization’s guidance.

Commercial pools have been hit hard by the pandemic. Being proactive with an aquatic energy audit is one way to help pool managers lower their costs.

Dogs have been the real winners over the past year, as social distancing requirements have kept more people at home with their canine companions. Dog parks have provided the perfect outlet for two- and four-legged friends to socialize.

AquaChamps Swim School has been offering comprehensive aquatic instruction to people of all abilities and ages since 1953, from infant swimming to competitive swim teams. In May 2020, they opened the doors of their new state-of-the-art aquatic facility in Oakland Park, Fla.

From careful design and manufacturing through installation and use, safer playgrounds are made possible through continual innovation and ongoing maintenance. Learn more about how to keep kids safe while they're having fun.