Aquatics is a category that encompasses so much: water safety, emergency response, equipment maintenance, facility design and construction, lifeguard recruitment and training, and so on. There are countless moving parts, as aquatic professionals know, and it can be overwhelming to think of the industry’s magnitude.
But, reading through submissions for this month’s issue, another aspect rose to the surface—community.
One story you’ll find in the pages ahead is “Noting and Floating Kids Nationwide,” which highlights the mission and impact of the Note and Float Life Jacket Fund. The fund works to ensure aquatic facilities have enough life jackets on-hand for non-swimming children. On the surface, this is a funding initiative; life jackets can be costly, and the fund helps facilities shore up their resources. But the effects reverberate. When non-swimming children are appropriately fitted in life jackets, they can play safely in pools, entire families can participate without limitation, and entire communities take part in water-safety awareness and education. This can help prevent drowning events and keep facilities safe. That’s huge for residents’ health and wellness.
Yes, the life jackets may be intended for children, but when those children can join in safely and confidently, everyone benefits. The deeper one digs, the more apparent it becomes that this is a community story.
The same could be said of many of the articles featured in our annual Aquatics edition. Whether it’s newly constructed aquatic centers, maintenance strategies, or communication boards, so much of what happens in aquatics benefits whole communities.
In recent years, some of the biggest stories in this industry have centered around lifeguard shortages, amusement park-style amenities, and, more recently, budget shortfalls. But there’s a lot more going on. And it’s helpful to have a throughline for all of it. Challenging or easy, pricey or cost-effective, every aquatic development works to reinforce bonds between community members by keeping them active, connected, and safe.
Parks and camps do this, too, but aquatics is often an important (and sometimes foundational) part of those experiences. There’s something special about the way the world opens up when a child learns to swim or when a neighbor shares water-safety best practices with a fellow resident. It takes a tremendous effort to impart this knowledge and foster these moments. This issue doubles as a showcase for all the hard work and a salute to the folks who do it day in and day out.
