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Leadership is all about helping guide people on their career journey. This can and has been done in a number of different ways. There are theories about the best way to lead, the best leadership style, and how you can find your path as a successful leader. We often overlook our experiences as the ultimate teacher when coaching those experiences are what put us in a position to help lead our teams in the first place. Storytelling and experience sharing allows leaders to create an emotional connection with their team which helps them relate to the message. This presentation will talk about utilizing storytelling infused with theory to provide an entertaining and insightful glimpse into how to utilize your experiences to craft your stories. Presenters:  Dr. Michelle Rieger, Cleveland State University and Dr. Yvette Kell, University of Missouri - St Louis Category: Leadership / Executive Development, AqP Elective .1 CEU Read more

Do you have young head lifeguards, lifeguards, or aquatic staff that need support with leadership development? This session will explore developmental activities that will empower confidence, motivation, growth, and leadership skills in your younger staff. Learn about strategies, activities, and various approaches to guide your youthful staff in the right direction resulting in a culture of collaboration, teamwork leadership and excellence. Presenter: Katie Cleasby, Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services Category: Leadership/Executive Development, AqP Elective .1 CEU Read more

Keeping training interesting and fun is a big part of helping staff gain the most knowledge and information. This session will discuss how to implement a variety of activities and games - each with a specific learning objective - within your training program. Presenter: Susan Grosse, Aquatic Consulting & Education Resource Development Category: Programming & Staff Training, AqP Elective .1 CEU Read more

Mermaiding is one of the hottest yet controversial trends in aquatics. Take advantage of this hot new trend to increase water safety education in your community by expanding your reach and increasing your programming revenues. Keeping water safety at the forefront, we will explore programming options from parented, to camps, to clubs and even fitness classes. Join Dominique as she explores all things mermaid, mermen, and even shark week! Presenter:  Dominique MacDonald, Your Better Life Category: Programming & Staff Training - AqP Elective .1 CEU Read more

Our Mermaid swimming class launched in summer 2015 as a fun way to improve how we taught a swim lesson skill many of our participants were struggling with. Through a process of research and development, my Aquatic Team members and I created our very own Mermaid program. Since that time, Mermaid Swim has become quite the rage but it is also controversial due to safety concerns. Learn about the resources now available to start your own program. Presenter:  Renee Vanselow, City of Greenfield WI Parks & Recreation Category: Programming & Staff Training - AqP Elective .1 CEU Read more

Join AOAP for our first-ever Mid-Year Manager Training. This live webinar event is designed to help operators supplement their frontline manager training by focusing on skills needed by on-deck managers to help them lead successfully while ensuring safety and creating an environment that aids in lifeguard retention. Session 1 - Aquatics Management 101: Focus what a successful manager looks like in action.  Session 2 - Drennen's Dreams: Established in memory of Drennen O'Melia, a victim of a tragic drowning at age 12, Drennen's dad, Bill, will share Drennen's story and how managers can learn from the event to reduce preventable drowning deaths by improving lifeguard training, safety standards, and emergency response plans. This session suitable for both first-year lifeguards and seasoned aquatic professionals. Session 3 - The Psychology of Engaging and Retaining Lifeguards: Have you ever wondered what draws us to aquatics, and why we stay?  What if the answer to this question could lead to a greater understanding of ourselves and others in the industry? And that understanding could help reduce job-related stress, identify perceptual shortcomings and tricks for overcoming them, improve team culture and unity, and attract more people to aquatics? In this seminar, we'll examine personality traits and profiles that are prominent in our industry, along with the advantages and weaknesses of these traits. We'll also explore perceptual issues that cause lifeguards to miss rescues and how to address them with your team.  And we'll discuss how to tap into these universal psychological truths to connect with today's youth, to improve your lifeguard recruiting and engagement on the job.   Registration for this live learning event is valid for your entire team - attend on your own or bring your entire team! Valid for .3 CEU Read more