The National Swimming Pool Foundation^® (NSPF^®) announces the Aquatic Play Feature™ (APF) online training course is now available in a new format, plus a Spanish version has also been launched. The new format offers better user interface, more interactivity, and easier navigation. The Spanish counterpart is a mirror of the English course. This course joins a growing portfolio of multi-lingual educational materials offered by the foundation.

The Aquatic Play Feature course is a stand alone educational tool for those who care for swimming pools with play features.  “We have learned that aquatic play features can complicate management and operations,” explained Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., and CEO of the NSPF.  “For example, managing water chemistry to prevent RWI’s can be challenging where aquatic play features are installed.”

 “This is a useful, focused resource for facility managers and operators who are committed to reducing risk in and around these popular entertainment features,” added Alex Antoniou, Ph.D., Director of Education at NSPF. “It’s all about assuring a healthy experience.” The Aquatic Play Feature course content builds on the fundamental information found in the Certified Pool/Spa Operator^®(CPO^®) certification program, the online Pool Operator Primer™ program, and the NSPF Pool & Spa Operator™ Handbook.

Course learning objectives include:

• How to deal with cloudy water
• Excessively high make-up water bills
• High sanitizer/oxidizer consumption
• Very short filter runs
• Maintaining automated control systems
• Management of water and of water chemistry
• Chlorine and chemical addition issues
• Filtration and circulation concerns
• Play feature operational considerations
• Usage of chloramines and stabilizers

Aquatic play features have migrated from waterparks to all types of pools and facilities, including backyard pools. In addition to spray parks and aquatic centers, aquatic play features are found at small motels, campgrounds, fitness centers, housing developments, hotel timeshareresorts, and military bases. Professionals who operate and manage these innovative recreational features, or are considering adding a feature, will appreciate the knowledge gained by taking this course.

The interactive course features narration, images, video, and interactive activities, and includes a copy of the Aquatic Play Feature Handbook, also available in Spanish, Guía Aquatic Play Feature.  The course can be completed in about two hours and costs $50.00 USD per student. Students have access to the training for six months once purchased.

The National Swimming Pool Foundation is an approved Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).  As a result of its Authorized Provider status, NSPF is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for the APF online training course.  Students who successfully complete the AFA training course can submit for IACET credits by contacting NSPF. Participants can register for the Aquatic Play Feature online training course at www.nspf.org and click on online training, or email info@nspf.org or call 719-540-9119 for more information.

The growing portfolio of online educational courses from the National Swimming Pool Foundation includes classes in occupational safety, environmental management, healthcare, electrical safety, employment law, Department of Transportation, Pool Operator Primer,^™  Aquatic Risk Management, Emergency Response Planning, Aquatic Facility Audits, Home Pool Essentials^™ Maintenance & Safety designed for residential pool and hot tub owners, and over 100 World Aquatic Health^™ Conference seminars.  Industry professionals receive innovative web-based training that gives anytime, anywhere, on-demand access to quality, cost-effective training materials.  NSPF has launched over 40 online courses; with many also available in Spanish, and will continue to expand the offerings.

About NSPF^®

The National Swimming Pool Foundation^® is a non-profit organization established in 1965, dedicated to improving public health worldwide and is the leading educator of aquatic facility operators and pool and spa professionals, and the chief philanthropic research sponsor in the aquatics field. The foundation has donated $ 4 million since 2003 to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the health benefits of aquatic activity. NSPF works towards its mission to encourage healthier living by increasing aquatic activity through education and research with its growing collection of multi-lingual educational products, certification and training, and sponsors the annual World Aquatic Health^™ Conference, now in its 9^th year.           Visit www.nspf.org.

Keiser University eCampus Publishes 2012 Class Schedule

for Online Aquatic Engineering Degree Program

Flexible schedule allows students around the globe

to earn a two-year Associate of Science Degree while they work.

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, January 9, 2012 —The 2012 class schedule for the only two-year Associate of Science college degree program for pool and spa professionals is now available. Keiser University offers students a flexible program for working professionals who are interested in enrolling in the Associate of Science, two-year Aquatic Engineering Degree Program available through its eCampus online degree program center.  Students can enter the program at any time during the year. Each class is offered in one month modules. The degreed program, now in its eighth year, has a strong student following because it allows students to earn their degree while they work, and offers excellent employment opportunities post-graduation.

“Many of our students have been in the industry for over 10 years. It gives me great pleasure to watch them grow in their professional learning. It gives me hope that the future of the pool industry will rest on highly educated professionals,” says Connie Sue Centrella, M.B.A., and Department Chair.

 Students who enroll are involved in one-to-one, online education with the instructor, and online dialogue with other students. Each week, the students participate in learning activities, reading assignments, threaded discussion topics, weekly live chat rooms, and Webliography assignments. The students receive prompt feedback and responses to their questions within 24 hours. Students will also learn more about the business of managing aquatic facilities, service, and pool & spa retail stores during each module. The online format makes it possible to offer a global study program that enables schedule flexibility and increased access to those currently employed.

 Following is the 2012 twelve month schedule of Aquatic Engineering degree courses:

 The program includes new energy efficiency and eco-friendly technologies in each module.

The Keiser University Aquatic Engineering Degree is 60 semester hours. Each student is required to complete 36 credit hours of major courses and 24 credit hours of general education courses. The degreed program encourages students to broaden their knowledge in all aspects of swimming pool and spa management and operation.  It is offered exclusively online, making the degree program available to the national and international community of pool and spa professionals, and those who seek employment in the field.

 For more information about the Aquatic Engineering Degree at Keiser University, visit www.keiseruniversity.edu and click on online education, call 888-453-4737, or email admissions@keiseruniversity.edu. Scholarships opportunities are available for graduates of the CPO^® Certification program and the CPI^™ program.  

About Keiser University

Keiser University, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with 14 campuses throughout Florida, offers degrees, including MBA and Ph.D., in high-demand fields in computer technology, aquatics, medical, business, and legal disciplines.  Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, (404-679-4501) to award the associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, Keiser offers its 8,200 students small class sizes and scheduling that accommodates working adults. Keiser University’s eCampus online currently serves students throughout the nation and overseas.            

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Leading Hot Tub Manufacturer Adds Rotationally Molded Spa Business to Expand Selection

VISTA, Calif., Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Watkins Manufacturing, leading maker of hot tubs worldwide, announces the acquisition of the assets of American Hydrotherapy Systems (AHS), manufacturer of Freeflow Spas® and a leader in the rotationally molded spa and business category.  With the purchase of Ontario, California-based AHS, Watkins adds roto-molded Freeflow Spas to its portfolio of premium Watkins spa brands that includes Caldera® Spas and HotSpring® Spas, the world's number one selling brand.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111220/LA25426LOGO)

"The addition of Freeflow Spas to our family of quality hot tub brands fits perfectly with our consumer strategy to deliver the right products to the right markets at the right prices," says Steve Hammock, President of Watkins Manufacturing.  "We want our Watkins-brand retailers, whenever possible, to be a one-stop-shop in fulfilling the hot water relaxation needs of today's discriminating consumer.  Integrating this quality selection of Freeflow Spas products into our retail offering will allow shoppers to get the hot tub they want from us, whether they choose an entry level model or the most premium spa." 

"Our business was not 'overtly for sale' but Watkins presented us with an interesting opportunity we simply had to consider," explains Bob Gawlik, general manager, American Hydrotherapy Systems.  "Over the years, many other companies have approached us. But Watkins, an icon in our industry, was the first suitor that we believed would perpetuate what we have worked so hard to build in a manner we think will honor the company's values."  

"Over the years, we've been very impressed with the product offering developed by, and the integrity of, the AHS team," says Hammock.  Over the next several quarters, the AHS business will transition to Watkins worldwide headquarters in Vista, California. "Watkins celebrated the manufacture of our one-millionth hot tub in September 2011, and together with this strategic acquisition of AHS we believe we are positioned for continued growth in the future," adds Hammock.

About Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
Watkins Manufacturing was established in 1977, in Vista, California. They are the world's largest manufacturer of hot tubs, including Hot Spring® Spas, Limelight® Hot Tubs, Hot Spot® Spas and Caldera® Spas. The Watkins Dealer network extends into all 50 states and over 60 countries. Watkins is a division of Masco Corporation, a Fortune 500 company whose products include Delta® Faucets, KraftMaid® Cabinets, and Behr® paint.

SOURCE Watkins Manufacturing

Research Foundation for Health and Environmental Effects, a non-profit founded by the American Chemistry Council, and leading UV manufacturer, Engineered Treatment Systems LLC, step in as funding partners to help continue commitment to fund research that will advance the industry’s future.

COLORADO  SPRINGS, COLORADO, December 8, 2011—Over the past seven years, the board of directors of the National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) has given back over 4 million dollars to fund research to demonstrate health benefits and to reduce injury and disease in and around the water.  

This year, the National Swimming Pool Foundation board has awarded four grants totaling $180,995. One health benefit grant was awarded to Utah State University and three injury prevention grants were awarded to University of Arizona, Purdue University, and the University North Carolina-Charlotte (UNCC). These grants will sustain ongoing research supported by NSPF in recent years and embark on new research. Industry partners Research Foundation for Health and Environmental Effects, a non-profit organization founded by the American Chemistry Council, and leading UV manufacturer, Engineered Treatment Systems LLC, donated to specific grants.

The board maintains its’ commitment to encourage increased aquatic activity through funding evidence-based research. “We refuse to allow the economy to deter us from promoting aquatics,” remarked Bill Kent, retiring Chairman of the NSPF Grant Review Committee.  “The science eliminates the bad things and discovers the good things that show how getting in water benefits humankind,” he added.

Health Benefit Research - Osteoarthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 27 million people in the U.S. suffer from osteoarthritis (OA). At the recent World Aquatic Health Conference™, researchers Dennis Dolny, Ph.D. (left) and Eadric Bressel, Ph.D., (right) Utah State University, reported on a two-year study funded by NSPF, pioneering the use of aquatic interval training for people with OA. “This is a significant study to establish guidelines for using an underwater treadmill to improve mobility and movement with less swelling and discomfort,” explained Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation. “Early results are encouraging, and we are optimistic that a larger statistical group will result in similar findings.”  These researchers have been awarded a grant of $15,552 to continue to pursue this research as they examine the improvements in osteoarthritis sufferers.

Injury Prevention Grants
Several high-profile studies have suggested that exposure to aquatic environments may increase risk of asthma, cancer and other serious diseases. These studies often lack information on how the pools were managed and treated, and details of swimmer exposure. As a result, it is impossible to apply the findings to other pools or to reproduce and verify the studies. Kelly Reynolds, Ph.D., University of Arizona, has been awarded a grant of $65,459 to develop standardized questions that researchers can use when performing a health impact study. “Defining the problem is a big part of finding a solution,” commented Dr. Lachocki. “The more thorough the studies, the more impactful the solutions.” Non-profit Research Foundation for Health and Environmental Effects has partnered with the National Swimming Pool Foundation on this landmark project.

The NSPF is also funding work to understand and define the chemistry of disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation in chlorinated, indoor pools. Ernest Blatchley III, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, Purdue University, was awarded a grant of $75,000 as the first step in a three-year program to research combined UV and chlorine swimming pool water disinfection methods. The research will examine the effects of combined treatment on water and air chemistry in chlorinated, indoor pool settings.  The grant, managed and administered under the NSPF industrial research grants category, includes donations from the Research Foundation for Health and Environmental Effects and one leading UV manufacturer, Engineered Treatment Systems LLC. The goal of this work is to give industry, regulators, facility operators and management a better understanding of swimming pool disinfection byproduct chemistry and technology options for their control, including Cryptosporidium inactivation. In turn this information will be helpful in reducing human exposure to DBPs in recreational water facilities. Questions about this project should be directed to Professor Blatchley (blatch@purdue.edu).

Acute recreational water illnesses prevention also remains an important area of research. In September 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 72 percent increase in outbreaks 2005-2006 versus the prior two-year period. This is a record number of outbreaks since the CDC began monitoring recreational water illness. Nearly half the outbreaks were caused by the parasite, Cryptosporidium (Crypto). Reversing this trend will require improvements in swimming pool disinfection and operation, pool regulations and enforcement, and swimmer hygiene. In recent years, James Amburgey, Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Charlotte (UNCC) through NSPF grants, has made significant advances in understanding pool water filtration and its impact on Crypto removal.  Dr. Amburgey has been awarded a grant of $24,984 to create a bather load model and assess the impact of bather load on Cryptosporidium-sized microspheres.

In addition to research the NSPF has funded directly to Dr. Amburgey’s team, the foundation also manages and administers an industrial research grant studying filtration and removal of Crypto. Industrial research grants enable multiple organizations to partner to fund key projects. This specific industrial research grant may exceed $200,000, raised through industry donations. Dr. Amburgey has directed $25,000 of the grant to the CDC to assist in performing research. The goal of the research is to develop better product label instructions, standard operating procedures, and remediation strategies to reduce the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks.  Manufacturers of water clarifiers, filter aids, and advanced filter designs wishing to join the fight against Crypto outbreaks in pools should contact Dr. Amburgey directly at jeamburg@uncc.edu to explore whether testing their products would be beneficial.

Understanding and controlling the chemistry, microbiology, engineering and management will yield safer environments. “The better we understand the issues, the better we are positioned to ensure future growth,” said Dr. Lachocki. “The great news is anyone can help support this work by simply investing in their own knowledge with purchase of NSPF educational materials and programs,” he concluded.

Research results are reported at the annual World Aquatic Health Conference, next year in Norfolk, Virginia, October 10-12. Seminars from prior conferences are available online, on demand at www.nspf.org.

NSPF accepts grant, scholarship and fellowship applications annually by June 1, respectively. Complete guidelines for applying may be found at www.nspf.org or by calling Margaret Smith at 719-540-9119.

About NSPF®
The National Swimming Pool Foundation® is a non-profit organization established in 1965, dedicated to improving public health worldwide and is the leading educator of aquatic facility operators and pool and spa professionals, and the chief philanthropic research sponsor in the aquatics field. NSPF works towards its mission to encourage healthier living by increasing aquatic activity through education and research with its growing collection of multi-lingual educational products, certification and training, and sponsors the annual World Aquatic Health™ Conference, now in its 9th year. Visit www.nspf.org.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
   
TOP INSTRUCTORS RECOGNIZED
by NATIONAL SWIMMING POOL FOUNDATION
Nine educators receive awards for exceptional performance.

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO./October 24, 2011 — Nine instructors with non-profit National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) received awards for exceptional performance at the annual Instructor meeting held on October 12, just prior to the World Aquatic Health™ Conference in Seattle, Washington.
“We are proud to recognize these nine people who embody the characteristics that make an exceptional educator,” said Fontaine Piper, Chair of the NSPF Education Committee. He explained, “The Committee encourages each instructor to become a role model for those entering the field as well as those currently working in the industry. NSPF instructors are also encouraged to strive for self-improvement and continuing education. This is vital to them accomplishing the mission of assisting others to become better.” 
The training these instructors provide has helped protect millions of swimmers by reducing hazards at aquatic facilities and residential pools. Currently, only 23 states have adopted requirements that public pool operators complete a minimum two-day training program.  Studies cited in the Model Aquatic Health Code reinforce that minimum training helps operators prevent violations of health codes. There is a poor track record for complying with public health codes, according to a recent study by the CDC . The National Swimming Pool Foundation is committed and dedicated to growing its professional instructor base and says it will continue to impart the necessary education and knowledge and certify more pool and spa operators over the coming years.
Distinguished Instructor awards were given to the following people:
Bob Buettner, Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Buettner has certified more individuals than any other instructor in the history of the program and has received numerous awards over the past years. Since 1995, he has certified over 7,000 pool operators through the CPO® certification program. “I’m very proud to be recognized for training professional pool operators and spreading the word that there is a right way for pool operators to do their job. When I look back at why I wanted to be an instructor, it was for a simple reason: I wanted to make a difference and help make the pool industry safer and more professional,” said Buettner. “I am passionate about teaching the subject and fortunate to be a part of the Leslie’s Team that believes in making a difference too. None of this would have been possible for me and other Leslie’s instructors, without the Leslie’s organization and their long term support of the CPO® certification program,” he added.

Jose Miquel Torres, Paraiso Pools, Deltona, Florida received his award for certifying the greatest number of Spanish speaking professionals. Helping people learn in their native tongue assists them to attain their CPO® certification, even as they are learning English. 
Scott Ford, Tropical Aquatics Marketing, Dunedin, Florida, was recognized for certifying the highest number of students from June 2010 through May 2011. Mr. Ford also received awards in prior years. Since year 2000, he has certified about 3,600 pool operators through the CPO® certification program. Ford says he is grateful that his father has led him to a career he is passionate about and that he is able to pass his knowledge about pool care on to others to further the pool industry and safety of the public. He says he watched his father teach the CPO® certification class when he was a young boy. “Anyone who ever came out of his course, and now my classes, will talk about the need for consistent care of pools and spas. Every student I teach and certify means that many more pools will be safely and correctly cared for,” commented Ford.  “In Florida, we see a large number of new pool pros, fresh to the industry. We don’t try to teach through shock and awe, but after two days, I can assure you, they never look at a pool the same way again.”

Michael Lowry, Lowry & Associates, Newmarket, Ontario, earned two awards: for the highest increase in certifications in 2011 over 2010; and for the highest number of certifications outside the United States.

Trevor Sherwood, Pool Operation Management, Brick, New Jersey certified more students with the Fusion™ program from July 2010 to June 2011. The program allows students to take the Pool Operator Primer™ online course and earn a Record of Completion, then go on to a one-day classroom and proctored exam, earning a CPO® certification. Sherwood has received award recognition in previous years. “I love offering the online Pool Operator Primer class because it allows flexibility for our pool pros who are so busy with work and family, and spend long days in the field,” explained Sherwood. “They want to expand their knowledge base and do it on their terms, when it is convenient for them makes good sense,” he added. Mr. Sherwood’s company was founded in 1980 and has certified over 6,500 pool professionals with the CPO® certification program. He’s eager to share his knowledge and experiences to help others in the industry.

 Pat Kirk, CPO Wyoming, Gillette, Wyoming received an award in the                     Pool Math™ Workbook category. He set a record for the number of students who have purchased and used this helpful educational tool for those that struggle with math.
    
Allen Crumley, The Pool Management Group, Inc., Marietta, Georgia and Steven Morgan, Sunbelt Pools of Georgia, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia were each recognized for speedy reauthorization and submitting class rosters to NSPF for processing. Maintaining current standing and authorization as an Instructor is important to assuring a responsible instructor team; and submitting classes for processing is priceless to those pool operators who require a current certification for employment.

Recognition was also given to Sarah Gruttemeyer, Pool Professionals, Inc., Cary, North Carolina who received the Rookie of the Year award. As a first year instructor, she set a record for the number of students who earned CPO® certification through her classes. 

The National Swimming Pool Foundation, the leading aquatic education and research organization, is the largest global educator of those who care for pools and spas. As of 2010, the foundation reports there are more than 1,000 NSPF Instructors worldwide who have certified 300,000 operators in 70 countries. Since year 2004, the NSPF Instructor team has grown 63%. In 2009, the organization reported a significant increase in both CPO® certifications and international adoption of NSPF educational programs. The growth of the instructor base is a response to this worldwide demand. 

Those who have attained CPO® certification for a minimum of 6 months can apply to become an NSPF Instructor. The course has no more than a 5:1 student teacher ratio and covers teaching methodologies, use of teaching aids and equipment, learning theories, lesson planning with PowerPoint presentations, administrative policies and procedures, and graded practical teaching exercises.
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About NSPF®  —  The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) was founded in 1965, giving back over $3.7 million of all revenue since 2003 to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the benefits of aquatic activity. The Foundation works towards its mission to encourage healthier living through aquatic education and research with its collection of educational products and training. For more information, please visit www.nspf.org.

Chair of NSPF^® Instructor Education Committee

Recognized by Truman State University

Fontaine C. Piper Movement Analysis Laboratory dedicated for extraordinary contributions

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, October 18, 2011—Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri, dedicated the Fontaine C. Piper Movement Analysis Laboratory (Piper Lab) on October 8, 2011. The Lab honors the extraordinary contributions that Dr. Piper has made in the areas of health science and exercise science education.            The state of the art facility will integrate the three disciplines for which Dr. Piper was most-closely identified: biomechanics, motor learning/control, and anatomy.

Dr. Fontaine Piper is also a highly respected educator in the pool and spa industry. He has dedicated the past 23 years as chair of the National Swimming Pool Foundation^® (NSPF) Instructor Education Committee.  That committee is responsible for training and certifying all National Swimming Pool Foundation Instructors. Dr. Piper continues to maintain an active schedule traveling all over America in support of the foundation’s education mission.

“Training and certifying the foundation’s education instructors is akin to laying the foundation of a building. Everything gets built from there. Fontaine has played a pivotal role in elevating the National Swimming Pool Foundation as the leading education organization in our field,” emphasized  Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO with NSPF. “It is no surprise that Truman State has erected a building of academic learning in his name. It is a reflection of his excellence.”

When asked to offer a comment, Dr. Piper was reminded of Pasteur's famous quote, "Chance favors the prepared mind."  He then expounded that "education remains the key to success. I was fortunate to have walked through the doors of opportunity when they were opened to me."  "These are lessons people should remember whether they grace the halls of academia or the halls to the pump room," added Lachocki 

In 2005, Dr. Piper retired after 34 years of service to Truman University. In 2006, the university announced a three-year campaign to create the Piper Lab. Through the generosity of many, including a $5,000 donation from the National Swimming Pool Foundation, that lab is now a reality. The lab and equipment will enable students to conduct cutting-edge research and prepare them for advanced study in important public health domains such as Parkinson’s, diabetes and child obesity.

Dr. Piper retired from Truman as Dean of the Division of Human Potential and Performance in 2005. He also served as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Natatorium Director, and Director of the HES program. As HES Program Director, Dr. Piper was responsible for shifting the mission of the program from health and physical education preparation to health science and exercise science. The program is ranked as one of the best in the nation for undergraduate exercise sciences.

About NSPF^®

The National Swimming Pool Foundation^® (NSPF^®) is a non-profit organization founded in 1965, giving back over $3.7 million in the past seven years to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the benefits of aquatic activity.  The Foundation works towards its mission to encourage healthier living through aquatic education and research with its collection of educational products and training.  NSPF                is the leading educator for professionals who service, operate, and regulate public and private pools and spas.  Visit www.nspf.org for more information.

Media relations, public relations, marketing folks we love to talk about our clients, but when it comes to highlighting ourselves we are often a bit shy. As was I when Spa Retailer magazine asked to write a feature on me.  In fact, it's a really nice piece, (blush), and yet I was feeling odd telling you all about it. Yet, all my colleagues insisted you would want to read. So please, here it is, tell me what you think?

And a special Shout out to @sarahprotz for writing the Water Woman story, read it here, tell me what u think! http://ow.ly/6uE22

Here's the latest in the Fall River, Mass horrific drowning story.

Don't let this be the pool you care for, make sure your operators are trained, certified, conscientious and not driven to look the other way.

State pools often stay open after failed tests
Health inspectors’ findings ignored; water quality frequently bad

State-run pools came under intense scrutiny this summer after Marie Joseph drowned in a Fall River pool where the water was so cloudy her body went undetected for two days. State-run pools came under intense scrutiny this summer after Marie Joseph drowned in a Fall River pool where the water was so cloudy her body went undetected for two days. (George Rizer for The Boston Globe)

By Peter Schworm and Ben Wolford
Globe Staff | Globe Correspondent / September 11, 2011

State-run swimming pools regularly failed water-quality tests over the past five years, but have nevertheless often been kept open in defiance of powerless health inspectors and at likely risk to the public.

Of 175 inspections of public swimming pools and spray decks operated by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, two-thirds documented at least one water-quality violation, and a still-higher proportion reported a variety of other health code infractions, according to a Globe review of state inspections from 2006 through last year.

The inspections noted chemical imbalances that can cause dangerously murky water and a range of health problems, from water-borne illnesses to skin and lung irritation. But because the local and state inspectors who evaluate pool safety work for the state Department of Public Health and have no authority over DCR pool managers, warnings often went unheeded. In at least 30 instances, pools remained open with violations that under state policies warranted immediate closure.

The findings alarmed safety advocates who said the high rate of inspection failures is a stark indictment of the 47 pools and other water facilities run by the DCR, which came under intense scrutiny this summer after a Fall River woman drowned in water so cloudy it concealed her body for two days on the pool floor.

“It really shows that the pool managers are doing a pathetic job,’’ said Thomas M. Lachocki, chief executive of the National Swimming Pool Foundation, a nonprofit group that trains and certifies pool operators. “If you’re not maintaining water quality, the risk of disease goes up, as well as the risk of drowning.’’

State officials say they are working to address the problems, and that in May they struck an agreement for yearly inspections and better compliance from pool managers.

“I think the department acknowledges that this number of violations is not acceptable to us,’’ said Edward M. Lambert Jr., commissioner of the DCR.

Richard K. Sullivan Jr., the state’s environmental secretary and former head of the DCR, acknowledged that a lack of meaningful oversight created a self-policing culture and a “belief that the system ran itself and didn’t necessarily have to open itself up to inspection.’’

A 2001 opinion by the state attorney general’s office declared that health inspectors had no legal authority over the pools, and oversight splintered.

Sullivan said the Patrick administration has made a concerted effort to improve pool water quality by stepping up training and pouring millions of dollars into upgrades.

Water quality, and managers’ response to problems, have shown gains in recent years, according to inspection records. In 2006 and 2007, just 15 percent of pools passed a water-quality inspection. Over the following three years, that figure climbed to 36 percent. In many cases, pool managers agreed to close when water quality was poor.Continued...

Still, there have been notable exceptions. An inspector “strongly recommended’’ closing the Olsen spray deck, a water park for small children in Hyde Park, in July last year because the chlorine level was 25 times what is allowed, according to the inspection records. But managers did not immediately close it, the inspector wrote.

In 2008, a state inspector found far too little chlorine in a Brighton pool, and recommended it close until the problem was corrected.

“Pool was not closed,’’ the inspector wrote.

In Fall River this summer, investigators concluded the murky water prevented lifeguards from seeing 36-year-old Marie Joseph slip below the pool surface. Three pool employees resigned over the incident, which sparked widespread outrage, and a Fall River health inspector was fired for approving the pool for use while Joseph’s body lay at the bottom.

Some safety advocates say that incentives to keep pools open, particularly during hot spells, can be intense. And though some pool managers have voluntarily closed to clear up safety issues, some may feel “too much pressure to let things go,’’ said Thomas Carbone, president of the Massachusetts Health Officers Association and director of public health in Andover.

In 2006, an inspector who found that a Lowell pool had five times the maximum allowable amount of chlorine noted in a report that “DCR management is forcing the pool manager to keep the pool open even when there is no clarity in the pool and the pool chemicals are dangerously out of balance.’’

Strict oversight is the only cure for such problems, critics say. Before the attorney general’s 2001 ruling, that oversight had been long provided by health inspectors, said Suzanne Condon, associate commissioner of the DPH.

There was a “lack of consistency in terms of addressing violations,’’ Condon said.

In recent years, some cities and towns that had sent local health inspectors to state-run pools, simply stopped.

“We don’t have jurisdiction to tell them what to do, and they don’t have to listen to us,’’ said Amanda Wilson, director of health inspections in Worcester, which stopped inspecting state pools this year. “So it was sort of a waste of time.’’

Michele Hlavsa, chief of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Swimming Program, said an analysis of more than 120,000 pool inspections in four states found that 12 percent had serious violations, such as a lack of disinfectant in the water.

“It’s troubling,’’ she said. “What’s happening when the pool inspector is not there?’’

Nationwide, hospitalizations for three common waterborne diseases cost the health care system as much as $539 million annually, the CDC estimates.

In Fall River, the pool opened for the summer on a Saturday in June, but by the next day it had turned murky. The chlorinator had shut off, and pool staff were balancing the water chemistry manually, a DCR investigation found. Yet the pool stayed open.

Unable to correct the problem, managers closed the deep end of the pool at 3:30 p.m. on June 26.

But Marie Joseph had already drowned, 12 minutes earlier.

The next day, as Joseph’s body lay on the bottom, pool staff reported no problems.

“Good opening weekend,’’ a DCR operations report stated. “No incidents or issues reported and facility looks great.’’

Globe correspondent Matt Byrne contributed to this report. Peter Schworm can be reached at schworm@globe.com.
© Copyright 2011 Globe Newspaper Company.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. August 31, 2011—While most families will hold fond memories of the fun they had at the pool or beach this summer, at least 1,592 families will remember the summer of 2011 with deep sorrow as the time when their loved one drowned.

“This summer was marred by tragedy for too many families,” says Mick Nelson, facilities development director at USA Swimming, Colorado Springs, Colo., who has tracked drowning news reports since 2008. At least 416 children, ages 12 and younger; 204 teenagers, ages 13 to 19 and 972 adults were reported to have drowned according to news reports gathered from May 1 through August 26. Nearly 84 percent of all reported drownings involved males.

Among the reported drownings of children, 286—nearly 70 percent—were younger than 5 and about 70 percent of the drownings for this age group occurred in a swimming pool or spa. About 70 percent of these young drowning victims were boys.

About 1,180 drownings occurred in natural water such as lakes, rivers, oceans, ponds and ditches according to Nelson. The majority of these victims were teenagers and adults. He notes that alcohol was mentioned in 57 percent of adult drowning news reports—a 17 percent increase over previous years. However, he states this increase could be due to more detailed incident reporting.
States with the highest number of reported drowning incidents include: Texas, 140; California, 115; Florida, 90, Michigan, 79, New York, 57 and Pennsylvania, 63.

“I hope these figures serve as a wake-up call for state and local governments to take a hard look at creating, improving and enforcing swimming pool barrier codes,” says Nadina Riggsbee, founder of the Drowning Prevention Foundation in Benicia, California. Her two-year-old daughter, Samira, drowned and one-year-old son, JJ, suffered permanent, profound brain damage after they fell into her in-ground pool in 1978, while their babysitter was in the bathroom.

“While in-ground swimming pools continue to pose a serious drowning risk to young children, a growing number are drowning in portable pools. Little kids can fall in when they reach over the pool’s pliable sidewall,” says Riggsbee. “So it’s just as important to completely enclose those with a fence as any other pool.”

This summer the American Academy of Pediatrics published a study of child drownings in portable pools in which the authors conclude that portable pools pose a “significant risk” to children, particularly those under age 5.

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) warns that the end of the summer does not signal the end of drowning incidents. “While the drowning rate peaks during summer, it’s a serious year-round problem,” says NDPA Executive Director Kim Burgess of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “This is especially true for children ages four and younger.” As an example of year-round drowning risks, Burgess points to the 21 bathtub and three bucket drownings reported this summer. “Never leave a baby or toddler alone in the bath or near any container of water,” says Burgess. She adds that parents should also ensure their child’s caregiver is mature, responsible and understands drowning risks.

“We typically see a spike in child drownings on holiday weekends,” says Tiffaney Isaacson, president of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and Water Safety Coordinator for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “If you host a pool party during the Labor Day holiday, be sure to designate a responsible water watcher who will remain vigilant and undistracted while watching children playing in or near water.”

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death to children nationally. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that an average of 5,100 pool- or spa-related submersion injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments each year from 2008 through 2010. The CPSC found that from 2006 to 2008 an annual average of 383 pool- or spa-related fatalities involved children younger than 15. More than three-quarters of the reported fatalities and nearly 80 percent of the treated injuries involved children younger than 5.

To fulfill public education requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, the CPSC created the Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives campaign. The NDPA is one of several organizations contracted by the CPSC to help with public education and outreach. Parents and pool owners are encouraged to visit Pool Safely.gov and NDPA.org for safety tips, informational videos and children’s games and activities.
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The National Drowning Prevention Alliance is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004. NDPA members are dedicated to preventing drowning for all age groups in all bodies of water through public education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. The public is invited to join by visiting NDPA.org.

The CPSC created The Pool Safely campaign to fulfill requirements of Section 1407 of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act). The 2007 law is named for the 7-year-old granddaughter of former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker who drowned in 2002 when she became trapped on an in-ground hot tub drain.

11th Annu

al National Drowning Prevention Symposium
set for March 7-9, 2012, San Diego, California

Drowning prevention advocates invite Everybody IN to end drowning deaths and injuries.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, July 21, 2011—Drowning prevention advocates and water safety experts will gather for the 11th Annual National Drowning Prevention Symposium on March 7-9, 2012 at the Hyatt Mission Bay, San Diego, California.

The annual symposium, sponsored by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, attracts aquatic experts, parents, swim instructors, professors, rescuers and researchers who exchange best practices, network and participate in hands-on activities.

“The symposium empowers attendees to create effective drowning prevention programs in their communities,” said Kim Burgess, executive director, National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “We are excited about this year’s education track, location, and the enthusiasm of our host partner.”

The San Diego County Aquatic Council will host the symposium and has set the theme, “Everybody IN.” The “Everybody IN” philosophy reflects the council’s call for everybody to join in the drowning prevention movement, bringing together those who focus on water safety —from the beaches, boats and pools, including rescuers and those who teaching swimming and lifetime water skills.

Presentations will explore topics that focus on Safer Water, Safer Kids/Adults, and Safer Response. The three educational tracks follow the Safer3 Model, which teaches children and adults safer behavior around all bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, pools and spas.  Speakers and presenters will focus on programs, strategies, research, and policy that can make water safer, teach children and adults how to be safer around water and prepare for water rescues, and more.

“This year’s event promises to deliver an inspiring, fast-paced, information-packed two days in “America’s Finest City- San Diego”, said Mary Ann Downing, elected executive of the board of directors, National Drowning Prevention Alliance and planning committee co-chair. “San Diego is the perfect host city, where a wide variety of aquatic safety partners, advocates and volunteers are working passionately to end drowning deaths and injuries,” added Downing, who also volunteers with the San Diego County Aquatic Safety Council. ”We are inviting everybody IN to form life changing, life saving collaborations and generate the power of combined forces- because Drowning IS Preventable.”

Planning committee co-chair Manuel Gonzalez, Aquatic Supervisor III for the city of Chula Vista, Calif. and president of the San Diego County Aquatic Council summed up the event: “It’s about creating and cultivating the next generation of advocates. The symposium provides a forum where people put their passion into action.” 

A series of post symposium workshops will be offered on March 10. To register for the symposium, visit www.ndpa.org. Presentation proposals are due August 30, 2011. Exhibitors and sponsors are welcomed and strongly encouraged to attend and help NDPA advance its life-saving mission.

The CDC reports that every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning.  Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 14. In 2007, there were 3,443 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) in the United States, an additional 496 people died from drowning in boating-related incidents. Nonfatal drownings can cause brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning. http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Water-Safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html
 
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that an average of 5,100 pool- or spa-related submersion injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments each year from 2008 through 2010. From 2006 to 2008 an annual average of 383 pool- or spa-related fatalities involved children younger than 15. More than three-quarters of the reported fatalities and nearly 80 percent of the treated injuries involved children younger than 5.  http://www.poolsafely.gov/news-resources/pool-safety-data-reports/

For more information visit www.ndpa.org.

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The National Drowning Prevention Alliance is a volunteer-driven 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization founded in 2004. NDPA members are dedicated to preventing drowning for all age groups in all bodies of water through public education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. The public is invited to join by visiting www.ndpa.org.

The San Diego Aquatic Safety Council (SDCAC) is a non-profit organization designed to further aquatic programs within the county. The San Diego Aquatic Safety Council strives to ensure that there are zero fatal drownings in the region. The SDCAC embraces the PoolSafely: Simple Steps Save Lives message, and promotes the educational component of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act at many events across the county.

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance urges public pool managers to install needed drain replacements promptly to provide a full season of swimming lessons

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) Board of Directors supports the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s (CPSC) recent recall of one million pool and spa drain covers which were incorrectly rated for the flow of water they could handle, which could pose a possible entrapment hazard to swimmers.

“The National Drowning Prevention Alliance was pleased when CPSC Chairman Inez M. Tenenbaum announced that there were no reported entrapment fatalities for 2010, and only three reports of entrapment injury,” said Executive Director Kim Burgess, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

 While the recall only affects public swimming facilities, the NDPA wants consumers to be aware that drain entrapment hazards exist in many backyard pools and in-ground spas as well. “We urge residential pool owners to contact their pool service technician to see if their drain covers should be replaced,” says Burgess, adding: “Also, teach your children to never play with or around pool drains, in either residential or public pools and if a drain cover is broken, don’t use the pool until it has been repaired. ”

At a May 26 press conference in Chula Vista, Calif., Chairman Tenenbaum also announced that an annual average of 383 children younger than 15 drowned in pool and spas from 2006 to 2008 and that 76 percent of those deaths were to children younger than 5.

Moreover, from 2008 to 2010, hospital emergency departments treated an average of 5,100 submersion-injured children younger than 15 annually in pool or spa related incidents. Seventy-nine percent of these injuries were to children younger than 5, according to the CPSC.

“The risk of drowning remains unacceptably high, especially for young children,” said Burgess. “That’s why the National Drowning Prevention Alliance advocates for water safety skills, and the availability of formal swimming lessons for all children and adults, as a crucial safety initiative.”

Burgess adds that, last May, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reversed its long held stand against water safety skills for children younger than 4.

In view of this, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance Board of Directors is concerned about the potential closing of swimming facilities while recalled drains are being replaced, since this could adversely affect the availability of swimming lessons in some communities.

Therefore, the NDPA urges all public pool owners, operators, managers and service technicians to quickly determine if their drain covers have been recalled.  If so, arrange for appropriate replacement covers to be installed immediately, so that swimming facilities may resume offering swimming lessons as soon as possible.

The CPSC states: “Pool owners/operators and consumers who have one of the recalled pool or spa drain covers should immediately contact the manufacturer to receive a replacement or retrofit, depending on their make and model. Except for kiddie pools, wading pools and in-ground spas, retrofit or replacement of installed covers is not required in pools with multiple drain systems or gravity drainage systems or for covers installed before December 19, 2008.

The recall does not apply to every pool and spa drain. Therefore it is important to first check with the manufacturer or with CPSC before taking any action. For more information, call the Drain Cover Recall Hotline toll-free at 866-478-3521 any time, or visit the Drain Cover Recall website at www.apsp.org/draincoverrecall.

The recall notice is available on CPSC's web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11230.html.

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance advises parents and pool owners to follow the Safer 3
program for aquatic safety:
1.    Safer Water—prevent children’s unsupervised access to water with barriers and alarms. Install upgraded drain covers to prevent entrapment.
2.    Safer Kids—supervise children carefully when they are in or around water and teach them water safety rules and how to swim well. Teach them to stay away from drains.
3.    Safer Response—be prepared for an emergency by having a phone and reaching assist devices by the pool. Learn CPR so you know what to do while waiting for help to arrive.

Parents and pool owners are also encouraged to download the free resource, “Layers of Protection,” at NDPA.org and to visit Pool Safely.gov for safety tips, informational videos and children’s games and activities.
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The National Drowning Prevention Alliance is a volunteer-driven 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004. NDPA members are dedicated to preventing drowning for all age groups in all bodies of water through public education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. The public is invited to join by visiting NDPA.org.

The Pool Safely campaign fulfills requirements of Section 1407 of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act). The 2007 law is named for the 7-year-old granddaughter of former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker who drowned in 2002 when she became trapped on an in-ground spa drain.