Nearly 400 attendees gathered in Indianapolis October 16 - 18 for the 10th annual World Aquatic Health Conference and Aquatic Physical Therapy Summit.
The event showcased new research, including health benefits of water exercise and therapy, making pools and spas safer, and the impact of disinfection by-products (DBPs) on public health.
Participants had the opportunity to attend more than 50 seminars on topics ranging from recreational water illness (RWI) prevention, DBPs, facility management, drowning prevention, health benefits, and natural and new industrial technology. A scientific poster session, a tour of three aquatic facilities with the designers and facility staff, lunch roundtables, an aquatic art show, and table top displays presented by non-profit organizations and conference sponsors filled out the event.
The conference kicked off with a keynote address from Debbie Phelps, mother of swim champion Michael Phelps. Other highlights included a presentation from Dr. Joel Stager, professor of kinesiology, Indiana University, who shared his research that has focused largely on the “fountain of youth” aspect of swimming in his presentation Habitual Aquatic Conditioning. Additionally,
Ernest R. “Chip” Blatchley III, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, Purdue University and Judy LaKind, Ph.D., LaKind Associates, explained the science affecting water and air quality and people’s health from urine and pool water. LaKind followed with a detailed, state-of-the-science review on exposure DBPs in swimming pool environments.
Fourteen leading organizations provided sponsorships to help underwrite the costs of offering post conference videoed seminars. For the first time ever, the seminars are available for free and can be accessed here.
The 11th annual World Aquatic Health Conference is scheduled for October 8-10, 2014, in Portland, Oregon, at the Doubletree by Hilton, downtown.
