Rupen Bhardwaj

In conjunction with its conference next year, the Association of Aquatic Professionals will roll out a new program for aquatics managers.

Called, the AOAP Directors School, the course is designed to provide a broad overview of aquatics facility operation, management and staff training. The three-day workshop is geared to professionals in all levels of aquatics management such as directors, superintendents, supervisors and pool managers. Topics will include operations, how to build an effective team, increasing retention, presentation skills, building the guest experience, staff training, legal considerations, pool chemistry and facility maintenance, code compliance, and leading for success.

Attendees can earn 1.4 continuing education units. The course will be taught by various AOAP Board members, including Jim Wheeler, Ruby Newell-Legner, Pete DeQuincy, Shawn DeRosa, Bob Kappel, Dewey Case and Dr. Regina Lewis

The course takes place Feb. 16 -18, 2023, immediately after the AOAP Conference. It costs $349 for AOAP members, $399 for non-members. Fees cover the manual and handouts received on-site. Some light meals will be served, and a networking social will take place Friday evening. Attendees can register for the workshop as a stand-alone offering or in conjunction with the AOAP conference.

The AOAP Conference takes place Feb. 13-16, 2023 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Pre-conference programming begins Feb. 11, and post-conference runs through Feb. 18. The event is co-located with the National Water Safety Conference, organized by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.