SWIMFORMATION United States Swim School Association Newsletter • Fall 2013

Inside Catching the Spotlight 2 Letter from the President by Laura Baumgartner | Asylum PR 3 From the Association Office

Partnering with US Swim Part of our mission will be to build 3 Welcome New & School Association to handle the brand recognition of USSSA. We Returning Members the Association’s public relations want the Association to be a household 4 Catching the Spotlight activities was a natural fit for the name for families, and we will be Asylum PR team. Our headquarters accomplishing this by placing USSSA 6 Remembering Tyler Brewer are located outside of Phoenix, leaders in national media stories about Arizona, and many of our team swimming lessons and water safety. 9 Face Time members are parents. Living and We want parents to be informed about 10 Board Of Directors Election working in a city where temperatures the vital importance of enrolling their reach over ninety degrees for at least children in year-round swimming 10 FINIS Presents Special Guest 6 months of the year, we spend a lot lessons beginning in infancy or Craig Dietz of time in our swimming pools and toddlerhood. And, we also want them in local lakes. We also hear a lot of to immediately think of USSSA as 12 Safer 3 Water Safety stories of tragic drowning accidents, the source to turn to when researching Foundation Updated and because of this, we know how schools in their area. important it is to spread USSSA’s 14 The Committee Report message of beginning swim lessons in 17 Ask the Expert early childhood to parents. 18 Ask Al

Core Purpose To provide resources to assist our members in achieving their goals in the learn-to-swim business. Core Values Provide opportunities for learning and sharing for our members. Help maintain high ethical and professional standards in our industry. Provide business development education for our members. Promote the importanceof quality learn-to-swim programs. Represent the interest of our associatoin on matters affecting the continued on page 4 learn to swim industry. Letter from the President

Dear Members, Yay! Fall! Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, fall always meant a bombardment on the senses. I remember the vibrant colors of the leaves as they turned red, yellow and orange before they cascaded to the ground to make that swishing sound as I walked through them, across the park, to the high school football game on Saturday afternoons. There was that acrid smell of someone always burning what seemed to be Mary Reilly-Magee an endless pile of leaves, and of course, I loved that first touch of cold, the advent of sweater weather. Whoohoo! How I long for that. It is 102 in South Texas today. No Love to Swim School sign of fall anywhere. President, US Swim School Association There is a bitter-sweetness to those fall memories. The start of fall means the end of, what was then, a careless summer. Back to school meant new shoes, clothes, and notebooks, but it also meant the end of freedom in a sense. Association Headquarters I guess my nostalgia is a result of a different ending. This fall marks the end of my Mailing address: P.O. Box 17208, term as Vice President/President elect. As I look back on the last five years, one year Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 as a board member, two as VP and two as President, I am really proud and honored to Telephone: 480-837-5525 have served. Fax: 480-836-8277 Truthfully, your Board of Directors worked hard as a team and accomplished a lot. We E-mail: [email protected] created, defined and in one case, re-ignited committees that are an integral part of the Website: www.usswimschools.org success of our organization and provide opportunities for members to serve and grow. Executive Director: Sue Mackie We instituted the Membership Participation Recognition Program to reward and encourage member involvement. We hired a marketing firm, redesigned the website, fired that marketing firm and hired a new one. We instituted dual education tracks Association Officers during conferences, and we got our male board members to dance in coconuts and President grass skirts to market our Hawaii conference. And what a phenomenal conference it Mary Reilly-Magee, 210-492-2606 was! These are just a few of the things I got to be a part of during my term of service. Vice President It’s been quite the ride! Miren Oca, 305-969-7946 Association Board As a result of the opportunity to serve our Association, I have grown immeasurably. I am a better leader, student, listener and friend than I was five years ago. I am better. Lynn Ledford, 949-589-1512 I am more than I was and I will be more than I am now because you gave me this Tammy Schoen, 713-434-7946 opportunity. All I can say is I gave it my best. I gave my best to the best people in the Pat Sunderhaus, 602-971-4044 best organization of which I am lucky to be a part. Thanks for the chance. Kendra Walker, 817-552-7946 Mike Williams, 661-589-2100 Phoenix here we come! Love,

Lynn Ledford, Pat Sunderhaus, Mary Reilly-Magee (president), Tammy Schoen, Miren Oca (vice president), Kendra Walker, Mike Williams

2 From the Association Office

As we move into the fall, Mary is nostalgic about autumn Welcome New days and football games in Chicago. My thoughts are about how amazing this upcoming 25th anniversary & Returning conference is going to be and nostalgia surrounding MY first NSSA conference. Preparations for the National Members Conference have been progressing for the past several months, but with just a few weeks out the pace is Sue Mackie picking up dramatically. There is definitely still time AllStar Swimmers Inc to register if you haven’t done so yet. We’ve had a few Miami, FL Executive Director schedule tweaks and changes that have been updated Viviana Valencia on the website. Last year in Hawaii we didn’t offer business development courses, but they’re back this year. Sean Dever’s course on Cougar Swim School Financial Solutions for Your Swim School Business and Al Mendoza’s presentation Felton, CA on Facilities Optimization & Design are filling up quickly. Both will include Kurt Edward some pre conference questions to the attendees in an effort to provide the most comprehensive information that our members want and need. Lucky Fin Swim School Pack your swimming suit because the Safer 3 Water Safety Foundation will be Ocoee, FL doing an actual Safer 3 Water Safety Challenge at the pool! Members of the Safer Sandi Ebben 3 Board will be on hand to answer questions and to provide you with practical information for you to take home and host your own Water Safety Challenge. Ripples Swim School Portsmouth, RI So back to my nostalgia… I haven’t been involved with the Association from the Beth Heelan beginning, I joined in 1994 and attended my first conference that same year. When I walked into the conference hotel for the 2013 spring workshop something seemed School of Fish, LLC vaguely familiar. It wasn’t until Johnny and Cindy Johnson headed my way and said, Western Springs, IL “do you remember when we were here for the national conference in 19 something?” Marty Brown 1994! How could I forget, it was my very first conference. Thinking back to that time it’s nice to know that so many of those members are still active today. Nearly Swim Like A Fish Instructional every year we still see Jan Thomas, Cindy & Johnny Johnson, John Kolbisen, Jim Aquatics Hazen, Nikki Miller, the Millers (Larry, Rita and Gina), Dave Dubois, Miren Oca, Chestnut Ridge, NY Karen Eaton and Karen Kittleson, Peggy Burger (now retired), Andy Broido (also Stephanie Kunow retired as an owner but still consulting!). Coming to these events is just like coming home. While the world is getting smaller with smart phones, emails and SwimSCAAPE by SoCal Outdoor skyping keeping us connected, there’s no replacement for the face Fitness to face interactions that Santa Monica, CA you will get at a USSSA Chris Durian national conference. I love my USSSA family, uSwim Aqua Academy not just the ones from Omaha, NE 1994 but the many Mary Hammack amazing people that I’ve had the pleasure and privilege knowing through my involvement with this organization. I hope to see all of you in Scottsdale for this year’s “family reunion”.

National Conference 1996 - Incoming President Miren Oca, Executive Director, Sue Mackie

United States Swim School Association Newsletter • Fall 2013 3 continued from cover story Catching the Spotlight

In addition to shining a spotlight on pools open to the public during the One of our first initiatives for USSSA’s the Association as a whole, another summer months, you can easily offer public relations campaign will be to goal of the USSSA public relations yourself as an expert to local news secure national and local media coverage campaign will be to help members outlets to discuss safety tips parents for USSSA’s executive board and local increase business through local should be going over with their kids schools during National Water Safety media coverage. Every other month, before heading to the pool for the first Month in May. We have created a the Asylum team will be creating time that year. unique set of tips for parents that they press releases with USSSA approved can put to use at home to help increase messaging that will be disseminated Tip Three their children’s safety around water. to member schools for their own use. Using these tips and the authority the These press releases can be sent to Create newsworthy events at your school. USSSA name lends, we know May will local media contacts or used in school be an incredibly successful month for the marketing materials. Whether you are a new school that Association and its members in terms of can throw a grand opening party or a media coverage. Having a local news station film a more established location that can plan segment at your school or a newspaper a fun event like “Kids Night Out” or a Our team is excited to be joining run a feature story about you are great community give-back program like a free the USSSA family as a partner who ways to let local families know your lessons day for need families, by creating can help grow the association, helps school exists and build your credibility an event you have instantly created a its members grow their individual with potential and current students. news opportunity for your school. businesses, and help everyone achieve But, if you are not familiar with how the most important goal of all. the media works or what storyline will Tip Four Through media coverage, we will be catch a reporter’s attention, here are five able to increase parental education and tips that can help: Take advantage of your USSSA knowledge about the importance of membership. swimming lessons and proper waters Tip One safety to help save children’s lives. When you land a local TV or The golden rule of media relations is newspaper interview, make sure you simple. Read your local newspaper and have a plan to make your school stand watch the local news. out from the competition. Remember to talk to the reporter about being Whether you read it online or in print, a USSSA member and have a few you can gain invaluable insight into who prepared points to share with the covers what topics just by browsing your reporter about why this makes your local newspaper on a regular basis. This school a better choice for parents will help you determine who regularly than another area school that is not covers parenting and small businesses – an Association member. For example, the key people you will want to be talking if you have participated in a Special to about your swim school. The same rule Abilities or Infant/Toddler course applies for your local news stations. Tune through USSSA be sure to brag about in when you can and you will quickly how it makes your teachers better. become familiarized with who would want to talk to you about water safety and Tip Five the importance of swim lessons. Call in the professionals. Tip Two As members of USSSA, you have Take advantage of timely news a unique opportunity you can take opportunities. advantage of – us. When you have exciting news like a grand opening, There are events that occur every year a community event or some other that you can be taking advantage of headline worthy piece of news reach out to get your school in the news. For to USSSA and we will help you get the example, if your town has community local media coverage you need and want.

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J uly 31, T 1967yler - July 17, 2013Brewer

On July 17th the US Swim School Association lost a dear friend and exemplary professional with the passing of former Association president, Tyler Brewer. Known for his charitable contributions and love for family and friends, Tyler has been, and will always be, deeply missed. Though July is the busier time of year for many of our members, several were in attendance at his funeral and memorial in Illinois. As a founding member of the Safer 3 Water Safety Foundation, a number of learn-to-swim friends have donated to the organization as well as his three children Hannah, Jourdan, and Ethan. You may still contribute memorials in Tyler’s’ honor by visiting swimforlife.org/ get-involved or by mail to the Brewer family at 4268 Valley View Dr, Loves Park, IL 61111. For those who could not make the trip to pay their respects, the Association will be hosting a tribute to Tyler at the 25th Anniversary National Conference directly following the close of the Friday morning session. Board member Tammy Schoen will be organizing the celebration of life and has asked that friends send photos and videos of Tyler throughout the years to her email at Tammy@ houstonswimclub.com no later than October 1st, 2013. On behalf of Tyler’s family we would like to thank you for your continued support and prayers, and look forward to sharing memories of Tyler with you. Special thanks to Tyler’s loving partner Georgette Compton Cutler for providing us with these warm memories of Tyler.

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8 Face Time by T. Scott Gross

There is a tremendously valuable asset to Hollywood. What do your friends ask at our local bookstore and they are out.” going to waste in your organization... about? The weather? No way! The same “Well, if you live in the San Antonio face time. Face time is that old real estate goes for your business. Your customers area I’m going to the airport and could principle of highest and best use applied want to see Y-O-U! You don’t have to drop it off to you.” “I live in Kansas to the boss. Even in this egalitarian be a celebrity to have face value. Like City.” “Sorry. Not that airport! Tell me, world where the boss is known by the Wizard of Oz might say, “What you why do you need the book tomorrow?” Pam or Chuck, customers, internal and need is a title.” ‘Boss’ will do nicely. When “I read an article about Positively external, still put a premium on time we visit Boccone’s Restaurant we know Outrageous Service and got so excited spent with the boss. Face time is nothing three things. The food and service will be about it that I called a staff meeting less but a whole lot more than the mere out of this world. We’ll have to wait for for the morning. I assumed I could presence of El Jefe. The Chief Honcho. a parking space and then wait for a table. buy the book locally.” “Well, I bet I can The Boss. The Grand Poobah. Face time We’ll see Al or Mary Helen, probably help you with a few of the concepts....”. is important for three reasons… status, both. And it’s the latter fact that accounts We talked for nearly half an hour as example, and intelligence. More about for the first two on the list. Face time also she took notes, asked questions, and these in a moment. has immeasurable value in terms of the generally became a semi expert on Office time almost never has the same training that inevitably occurs. POS. “You’ve been so helpful!” she said. value as face time. Offices are too often Look, all learning is by doing. The things “I can’t believe that someone working a place to hide. If the boss has superior your people are most likely to do (learn) the order desk this late at night would expertise, then why isn’t it in the field or are the things that they see in the work be so knowledgeable! Tell your boss on the floor where it can be shared? If environment and try for themselves. This that you deserve a raise!” I was so proud the boss is a marginal sort, then maybe means that the other people at work are, of myself for being a good order-taker the office is the place where he or she in fact, your training program. It follows I didn’t tell her that I had also written is least likely to do damage. Otherwise, that since the boss is, well, the boss and the book! Face time. No value. most of what gets done in offices either carries pretty hefty face value, then the The Third Value of FaceTime could be done by someone who has a boss is the most potent training aid of much lower face value or, as is often all. Be careful! This sword cuts both ways. The third value of face time is the case, office work is work that really The last thing a boss can get away with intelligence gathering. All the mystery needn’t be done at all. Pagers are a is a “Do as I say, not what I do” attitude. shoppers, 800 lines, comment cards and variation on the theme. Pagers are too Like it or not, what the boss does, the focus groups in the world won’t tell you often an excuse to be someplace you troops do. Boss grouchy – grouchy half as much as will your loyal customers. shouldn’t be. Period. troops. Boss quality minded – troops Nothing beats asking customers face to- face what they like about your product The Employment of Face watch quality. Boss cleans break room – boss cleans break room! (This stuff is or service or how they would change Face time puts the boss in direct contact powerful but not perfect!!) The important it if they were in charge. Customers with the customer. Even at the lowest thing to remember is that floor time isn’t will spill their guts helping you beat level, the boss’s face has incredible value. necessarily face time. If you are working your competition if they think they are When we owned our little restaurant, the floor out of sight and earshot of the dealing with someone who can and will where four dollars would get you employees your time, at least as far as the make a change for the better. lunch and change, people wanted to be employees are concerned, has no more There is such a thing as telephone face recognized by the owner. They wanted value than that of another body on the time too! A few minutes on the phone to know that when they walked in the clock. It may still have face time to the every day calling customers to ask, door, the owner, not a clerk or cook or customer and then, only if the customer “How are we doing?” has more value assistant, would call them by name. A knows that you are the boss. than an entire day spent poring over restaurant that serves mediocre food but The Boss on the Line numbers from last period. Last period where the boss is omnipresent will beat is history! A real customer on the line out a fine dining establishment where the One late night I slipped into the office is opportunity! Face time is leadership boss never makes an appearance. Think in underwear and tennis shoes. (I in action. Tom Peters called it MBWA, about the businesses that make you feel know that’s an odd combination but Management By Walking Around. I call good and I guarantee that the boss is the office is attached to the house and it MBWA...Management By Working likely to be present much of the time. the dog doesn’t seem to mind.) The Around. Nothing beats first-hand Better yet, I guarantee that the boss is phone rang and I answered, “T. Scott experience and MBWA is definitely right out front, maybe even knows you by Gross & Friends” just like the staff had it. Smart managers make a point of name. Right? Right! You visit the White taught me! “Can I order a book at this scheduling themselves to work a shift or House. What do your neighbors want number?” “Yes, ma’am. You certainly two with the troops. Are you putting in to know? See what I mean? You travel can!” “I need it by tomorrow. I’ve looked your face time? United States Swim School Association Newsletter • Fall 2013 9 2013 US Swim School Association - Board Of Directors Election The USSSA is extremely proud of the positive direction take a moment to thoroughly review the position and forward movement of the organization due to its requirements and consider serving as a member many volunteers and outstanding leadership. This fall, of the Board of Directors. A copy of the candidate will conclude a very successful term for our president application and requirements can be found on Mary Reilly-Magee, as well as a few of our current the home page of our website as well as up-to- Board Members. This will leave the position for vice- date candidate information in our news link at presidency open along with two Board seats. usswimschools.org. This organization is in need of strong voices, When submitting, please include a short bio and innovative ideas, and representation of our diverse statement of position along with your application membership. If you are a dedicated professional and submit it to [email protected] by the with a passion to improve your Association, please morning of October 10th, 2013 (election day).

FINIS Presents Special Guest Craig Dietz

Craig Dietz was born on April 13, 1974, But it wasn’t until 2008 that he decided and currently resides with his wife in in the rural town of St. Marys, PA. to start training for long distance open Harrisburg, PA. Despite being born without limbs, Craig water swimming and finished the 1500 had a very active childhood, bowling meter Allegheny River swim in 40:20 Craig’s story has been featured on in a league, hunting, fishing, playing as part of a relay team in the Pittsburgh the Marie Osmond Show, Fox News, percussion in the high school band, and Triathlon. That one race was all it ESPN’s television show E:60, as well graduating on the honor society. took for Craig to become hooked on as ESPN The Magazine and several the competition of triathlon and open local print and television news media Craig graduated from Duquesne water swimming. outlets. Come hear Craig’s story of University, in Pittsburgh, in 1996, perseverance and overcoming life’s with a B.A. in Political Science. Craig has competed in the Pittsburgh many challenges, as told from his While at Duquesne, he was very Triathlon every year since 2008. unique perspective. active with the Campus Ministry and In 2012, he finished the swim in a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. 29:14, faster than more than 150 The United States Swim School He graduated from the University of able-bodied competitors. Also Association is celebrating 25 years of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1999, in 2012, Craig became the first fantastic speakers, evolving education, and passed the PA Bar Exam on quadruple amputee to swim across and continued growth. This year’s his first attempt without any special accommodations. Craig worked as an Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Harrisburg until 2006, when he took the same position with the City of Pittsburgh. In addition to bowling, hunting, fishing, skiing and playing volleyball, Craig the Chesapeake Bay finishing the 4.4 national conference will offer the always had a passion for swimming. mile rough water swim in just under nostalgia of the past, the very best of 3 hours. In 2013 Craig competed the present, and a glimpse into the in the Midmar Mile swim in South future of the Association. In addition Africa and finished a 1.5 mile “escape” to the scheduled list of outstanding from Alcatraz swim in 54:37. speakers, our Elite Sponsor FINIS, will present motivational and keynote Craig’s parents, two sisters and brother speaker Craig Dietz at the national have been extremely supportive of all conference welcome reception on his activities throughout his life. His Tuesday, October 8th. We are so please family was particularly instrumental to have Craig share his story with us, in getting driving lessons for him and and even more excited that he will be purchasing a van equipped for him to present throughout the conference. drive. Craig has lived independently Visit Craig and the Finis team in since graduating from high school, Scottsdale, October 8th -11th! 10 Substantial operational savings are here...

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P. 800.832.8002 [email protected] 11 United States Swim School Association Newsletter • Fall 2013 www.defenderassero.com www.neptunebenson.com Safer 3 Water Safety Foundation Updated by Lauren Bordages

The Safer 3 Water Safety Foundation is looking forward to the 2013 National Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. We are especially excited that we have the opportunity to present a Safer 3 Water Safety Challenge on Friday, October 11th at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort pool. The Safer 3 Water Safety Challenge is designed to be an annual event held by swim schools to promote water safety. The event serves as a way to promote the Safer 3 water safety message to the greater community, showcase what your students are learning, involve the local water safety groups and secure media coverage for all of the above. The Safer 3 Water Safety Foundation provides you the tools necessary for a successful event including a free step-by-step planning guide with printable certificates, press releases and professionally designed graphic marketing materials. Many swim schools successfully hosted a Safer 3 Water Safety Challenge this past spring. Event attendance ranged from 25 participants to 100+ participants. The Safer 3 Water Safety Challenge program has been designed so that it can be implemented on any scale. We are looking forward to presenting the Safer 3 Water Safety Challenge event each step of the way on Friday, October 11th. The Safer 3 Water Safety Foundation would also like to thank everyone who has remembered our friend, colleague and Safer 3 Board Member Tyler Brewer who passed away this past July. Many of you have generously donated to our Foundation in memory of Tyler. Tyler joined the Safer 3 Water Safety Foundation in 2002 and was an integral member of the board of directors. He was instrumental in establishing many of the programs that the foundation currently has in place. Tyler’s determination for the cause and the Safer 3 message was profound. His leadership will be missed. We are honored to share in keeping the memory of Tyler alive through the memorial donations received by the Foundation. The drowning prevention educational materials that we provide are certainly enhanced by this generosity. If you have any questions on our conference Safety Challenge or other Safer3 activities, please contact us at [email protected].

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P. 877.885.4628 13 United States Swim School Association Newsletter • Fall 2013 [email protected] www.ets-uv.com Infant Toddler Committee

As we head toward the 2013 National Conference The three courses survey the history of baby and its coinciding courses, the Association is proud swimming, cover health and safety issues, to feature the Infant Toddler Committee in this issue professionalism, child development and skill of Swimformation. progression. The IT Program includes the Independent Study Course, Classroom Workshop The Infant Toddler (IT) Committee is comprised of and Water Workshop. some of the Associations most active members, and their collective efforts have helped to develop our The current goals of the IT Committee are: members and their staff through the Infant Toddler Instructor Education Program. • To make all 3 courses accessible to as many

The Committee Report students as possible. The committee’s current members include: • To update/improve the system that is being used Miren Oca to take the Independent Study course. Each quarter the Association - Ocaquatics Swim School, Miami, FL (USSSA Vice will be featuring a different • To promote and teach the “To-Go” Classroom President and Board liaison) USSSA committee in our and Water Workshops across the country. Swimformation Newsletters. Kathy Hubbard - Hubbard This will give our members Family Swim School, Phoenix, AZ • To edit and update each course every 4 years, an opportunity to learn one a year moving forward now that we have 4 more about the history of (Chairman) good courses (including the Presenter’s Course) each committee, its purpose, Debbie Marrs-Sayers - DolFUN and how they are actively Swim Academy, Portland, OR improving our association one Tracy Laman The past year has seen a number of accomplishments project at a time. - Houston Swim Club, Houston, TX come together. The committee committed to a day in lockdown in Hawaii after the National Micha Beatty - Seal Swim Conference and went thru the entire Classroom School, Tampa, FL Bobby Hazen Workshop to bring closure to a year of work that - Saf-T-Swim, Long Island, NY had all committee members responsible for rewriting and editing sections of the Classroom course. The Infant Toddler Instructor Education Program updated Classroom course now has more interactive sessions made possible by moving several sections of The USSSA Infant Toddler Instructor Education the Classroom course to the Online course. In order Program (“IT Program”) was developed to educate for students to get the most out of the entire course professionals involved in aquatic programs for young it is now more important than ever to take the online children (under 36 months of age). course before the workshops.

14 Once this was accomplished, the committee spent from October to March working hard on a brand new Presenter’s Course to qualify and educate additional instructors to teach the Classroom and Water Workshops. This course was attended by Andy Broido, Buffy Folise, Krissy Bartlett, Vera Garibaldi, and Shea DeSmith all of whom did a great job and only complete some co-teaching before they are ready to share the course with all of you! Shortly after the Spring Workshop, the committee took a well-deserved break, but were quickly back to editing and tweaking the new classroom course in preparation for the 25th Anniversary Conference. Meanwhile as you may have read in last month’s e-news, Debbie Marrs-Sayers presented the very first “IT On the Go” course for Ria McKay in the Philippines! What a great place to start sharing this course.

What’s Next?

Each accomplishment seems to open more opportunities for the United States Swim School Association’s educational programs. Together with the Special Abilities Committee, this organization continues to raise the bar for instructors in the learn-to-swim industry. It is the committee’s goal to continue to encourage the unique qualities of individual schools and teachers while providing them with the highest standard of education to effectively and continuously improve their programs.

United States Swim School Association Newsletter • Fall 2013 15 Jackrabbit’s fast, secure and reliable online swim school management software gives you time to build your business.

16 Ask the Expert - PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT by Franklin B. Sahlein | 3rd Level Consulting and Business Brokerage, Author of Building Your Business Potential

Here are a few ideas to help you use the POWER of ORGANIZED SYNERGY! Schools and Youth (Scouts, Youth Teams, Church Youth) Jackrabbit’s fast, secure and reliable online Organizations swim school management software gives you • Partner with School Systems time to build your business. • Family Fun Night PTO/PTA Fund Raising Events • Free Field Trips for Child Care Centers or Schools • BIG Donation Baskets – make an impression! • Sponsor printing of PTO/PTA but to get your name out into the media and let them know what your Directories community as well. cause is. They may write an article with Memberships Mentor Programs you to help raise awareness for your cause. Research online, become the • Chamber of Commerce Community Service expert on the topic. Setup a website, • Better Business Bureau create a presentation ... and have fun • United Way projects • Character Development Program • Food Drives for Homeless • Environmental Ambassador Special Needs Groups Sponsorship Project - Perhaps you have a (Inside And Outside Facility) • Book Drives for Literacy nearby river, lake, or beach that Promotion could use a little TLC. Is there Media • Disaster Events & Emergencies a particular place or situation that • Human Interest stories Relief Packets (collect, prepare and is hurting the environment that send as a group) you could raise awareness for. Any • Ads in the City Recreation project that helps the environment • Summer Camp or Team Units – Quarterly Brochures (getting into is considered an Environmental Community Projects the schools) Ambassador Project. Think outside Events • Awareness Project – This could the box and see how you can help be many different things. Basically, keep our planet green. • Live Demonstrations and Parades you will find something that you • Shopping Mall Events & Kiosks feel strongly about and will go on mission to teach more about the • Career Day Fairs subject. Water Safety, Autism...etc. • Summer Activites Fair booth The possibilities are endless. So are participation the steps to getting this one going. • Healthy Kids Day or Week You could/should find a group that • Annual On-Site Carival and Open is already created to help them raise House (partially for charity) awareness of your topic or be really • Create your own events bold and create your own forum to talk about this issue. • Safer 3 Water Safety Events- This Have questions? is an excellent opportunity to not TIPS: Press Releases are great for this Contact Frank at only promote drowning awareness, type of project. Get in touch with the [email protected] 208.869.3656

United States Swim School Association Newsletter • Fall 2013 17 Ask Al Alvaro G. Mendoza | Commercial Energy Specialists, Inc.

Welcome back to our “Ask Al” feature, ORP/pH control system is one of the other potentially harmful ailments. Many designed to assist you with any and cornerstones of proper pool operation leading swim school operators are justifiably all issues related to swimming pool – especially with heavily used pools. A concerned about potential issues with water, mechanical equipment, space 7.3-7.5 pH level and an ORP greater instructors, parent, and students alike. conditioning, and code compliance. Ask than 700 mV is highly recommended, Solution: a question, and we will answer to the with a corresponding Chlorine level The solution to chloramines best of our ability. between 1.5 PPM and 3.0 PPM (see is to directly control them using below). Calcium Hardness of 300-700 Ultraviolet Light (UV). UV comes in In this article we will take a PPM and Alkalinity of 50-120 PPM two varieties – medium pressure and preliminary look at a source of great to are also needed in order to adjust the low pressure. Low pressure units are concern to all swim school operators – pool water to proper Langelier balance. simpler in design, utilize less wattage skin and eye irritation. There are three Stabilizer should never be used on (normally 100-150 watt lamps), and major types of irritation, which we indoor pools under ANY circumstance. cost less to own and operate, but they have grouped below for convenience. With direct control of pH and ORP, operate in a more narrow wavelength. The good news is that they can be the other parameters can be reviewed Some swim school owners have addressed with good strategy, some and corrected on a weekly basis. reported considerable success using equipment, and a little discipline. Without this critical baseline step, these units, while others have not. While this pertains to all swim school any further solutions will be rendered Medium pressure UV units utilize pools, the effects are more pronounced somewhat useless. higher wattage lamps (normally 1,000- with heavily used indoor pools. 1,500 watt), cost a little more to own Advanced Irritation: Chemical Irritation: You can and operate, and work in a broader The most basic maintain chemical parameters absolutely light spectrum that encompasses all form of irritation, this is normally perfectly 24/7 and still have severe three types of chloramines (Mono, caused by improper or out of range irritation. The major culprit is combined Di, & Tri-chloramine). They are the chemical levels in the indoor pool. chlorine or chloramines. These are choice of many USSSA member that While excessive chlorine is the formed by a reaction between chlorine successfully operate busy indoor pools main focus of many, other chemical and organic substances, both guaranteed with zero chloramine issues. While parameters such as out of range pH, to be present in every pool. You should other types of systems are designed to calcium, and alkalinity are also common test and monitor chloramine levels remove chloramines with ventilation, culprits. Low pH has been directly on a weekly basis at minimum, as the air flow, etc., removing the chloramines linked to eye irritation and is the complaints will begin above 0.4 PPM. from the water itself tackles the source major contributor to aggressive pool Holding tight chemical parameters, of the problem and thus is the preferred water balance. Alkalinity and calcium using a self-shocking chlorinator (Pulsar method of operation. hardness are minor contributors but can feeder, Solution™ feeder, some saline Mystery Irritation: combine to cause aggressive water. chlorinators, etc.), and maintaining You can have all Solution: higher ORP levels can minimize your chemical levels in perfect shape, The solution to basic and have a great medium pressure UV chemical irritation is to take direct chloramines but not completely prevent. NOTE: Chloramine irritation system cranking away – keeping your control of water chemistry on a chloramine level at our near zero, and minute-by-minute basis. A reliable is linked to lifeguard lung, asthma, and 18 STILL experience some irritation. and Canadian / European codes Watch your additives: As soon as some This type is less severe than the other dictate that pools should dilute with irritation occurs, some instructors turn two, and normally affects swim school 4-10 gallons per each bather. It is to jellies and creams that can actually instructors more than it does the recommended to lose a little water make the situation worst. It is best to students or attending parents. It is at a time, and newer designs opt for attack the issue with shocking and much more difficult to diagnose and filters that lose a little water with each water dilution quickly, and thus prevent to eradicate. The culprit appears to be, backwash. If you have a “water saving” a more severe situation. among others things, carbon-based filter, then you will need to be more organics that have been busted up, but diligent in your dilution strategy. We Yes, your water quality is an important not completely removed from the pool are all for saving water, just not in investment in your facility. Irritation water. Bad ventilation or other design the swimming pool environment (for can scare away good customers forever, issues can contribute to the problem. obvious reasons). and bad news travels fast. Taking steps above can help you minimize this issue, Solution: There is no “one solution” Stay on top of your water quality: and don’t hesitate to contact us for as are many contributing factors, but Monitor your PPM to ORP more information if you have an extra here are a few tips to help you stay out relationship. If it takes more than 3.0 difficult case. of trouble. PPM to achieve 700 mV, your pool water is “sick” and needs to be recovered Lose some water: The old adage by shocking (Chlorine or non-Chlorine Best Regards, that “dilution is the solution to shocks) or other techniques. pollution” is very true. Best practices Alvaro G. Mendoza

Please feel free to forward your questions & comments through the USSSA office, or directly to me via email at [email protected]

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