April 2009 Table of Contents

Finding qualified lifeguards is one of the biggest challenges to running a safe facility Read more

At indoor waterpark resorts, swimming is no longer an activity relegated to the summer Read more

A federal stimulus package of nearly $800 billion is well on its way to doing what it can to get the economy back on track Read more

The Gypsum Recreation Center had been open for 1 1/2 years, and it was time to drain the swimming pool for cleaning and maintenance Read more

Use this chart to recognize high-risk swimmers. Read more

All lifeguards are taught victim recognition and effective scanning Read more

Closed for repairs since last September’s Hurricane Ike, the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark reopened on March 14 Read more

An uptick in sales of drain covers and suction vacuum release systems (SVRS’s) indicates increasing awareness of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act among pool operators Read more

A new study substantiates what aquatics professionals have long believed, and it may change the stance of a key pediatrics group Read more

The chief author of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act wants national funding for swim lessons, according to remarks at the eighth annual National Drowning Prevention Symposium Read more

The American Red Cross has officially launched a new water safety instructor certification program and anyone currently teaching the 2004 programs must update to the new curriculum by December. Read more

Fallen hero, or mere mortal? That’s the question many have been debating since the release of photos showing Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps smoking a marijuana pipe Read more

Aquatics professionals have been touting the healthfulness of swimming for years, and now science confirms what they’ve been saying. Read more

Tom Griffiths, director of aquatics at Penn State University, will leave his position at the State College, Pa., institution after 23 years Read more

When the economy goes down, the number of people looking for seasonal and part-time employment goes up Read more

Just in time for the summer swim season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidelines for safe handling of potentially hazardous pool chemicals Read more

In spite of the down economy, waterpark operators across the nation are optimistic that once the doors are open this summer, the crowds will come Read more

A researcher has linked certain water-related skin rashes to an allergy to potassium peroxymonosulfate,… Read more

U.S. Masters Swimming has opened its first national headquarters Read more

To celebrate spring and jump-start the summer swim season, a number of waterparks and aquatics facilities recently opened the doors for Easter celebrations including underwater egg hunts and other festivities Read more

To save money, it appears more communities are considering alternatives for heating pool water Read more

That may not be too far off the mark, as cash-strapped cities across the nation are getting creative to maintain services in spite of cutbacks Read more

Following the record-breaking results of new high-tech swimwear, FINA has amended its requirements for swimwear approval Read more

George Millay, the creative founder of Sea World (San Diego, Ohio & Florida), Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA) and the first waterpark in the world, Wet ’n Wild in Orlando, was one of the most…. Read more

Since the early 1960s, the pool industry has been using a familiar concept called the Calcium Saturation Index to predict water’s tendency to be corrosive or scale-forming Read more

Nickelodeon Family Suites in Orlando, Fla., often saw numerous people come by its Web site and transition from site visitors to hotel visitors Read more

With the interactivity of the Web comes the risk involved with free speech: guest critiques Read more

No doubt about it, the economic crisis has resulted in a significant change in the financial landscape Read more

Symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a condition characterized by chronic and often debilitating pain of muscles and fibrous tissues, may be eased by regular participation in aquatic exercise Read more

It’s vital that pool operators develop action plans to respond immediately if health officials announce an outbreak or increase in… Read more

is making headlines and if there’s an outbreak in your area, it’s very likely you’ll be receiving calls from reporters. Read more

If a crypto outbreak or a significant increase in cases is reported in your area, expect to field a barrage of inquiries from patrons, whether crypto has been linked to your pool or not. Read more

Layoffs. Salary freezes. Expansion plans derailed. Aquatics operators are dealing with it all in light of the current economic downturn Read more

It wasn’t until the health inspector started putting on a hazmat suit that it really hit me: This was not just another fecal contamination. Read more