2020 WRPA Aquatic Network Conference

September 28 & 29, 2020
8:00 AM–1:45 PM
Virtual

 

Registration Schedule & Sessions
Event Speakers

*Schedule subject to change.

Conference Schedule

Monday, September 28

8:00 AM - 8:15 AM

Welcoming Remarks

8:15 AM - 9:30 AM

Changing World of Aquatics
Shawn DeRosa,
DeRosa Aquatic Consulting

Description: The world of aquatic recreation is ever-changing. Gone are competitive rectangular pools and "in" are free-form family leisure centers with interactive features. Stoic lifeguards poised upon tall perches are a thing of the past. Today lifeguards are walking and talking. Floatation devices, long banned at aquatic venues, are now offered free of charge to help prevent drowning. Come remember the past and explore the future of aquatics as we adapt to our changing environment: new budgets, new demographics, new challenges, new ideas.

9:40 AM - 10:55 AM

In-Servicing to a Better Lifeguard
Kasia Robbins,
City of Hermiston

Description: This session will provide the aquatics professionals with a fresh new approach to in-services. Every aquatics manager wants their guards to have knowledge, react fast, and be strong; but struggle with how to build the ideal lifeguard. We believe the ideal lifeguard can be built with the right in-services. However, in-services are always a struggle for facilities. When to run them, what to practice, how to get past the basic skills, how to schedule all the staff, and have them be available. Our approach to in-services solves all these issues. When our in-servicing guide is used guards will have the knowledge, react fast, and be strong!

11:10 AM- 12:25 PM

Auditing Techniques that Improve Aquatic Staff Performance
Jeff Fryer,
 River Road Park and Recreation District

Description: In this session, Jeff will discuss the purpose of conducting audits, reviews, and/or assessments of staff performance and of facility operations. He will also identify the benefits of auditing, reviewing, and/or assessing staff performance and facility operations and outline the types of audits, reviews, and/or assessments, including internal & external. In addition, this session will introduce a method to conduct professional peer or professional associate observations and assessments.

12:30 PM - 1:45 PM

HR 101
Shawn DeRosa,
 DeRosa Aquatic Consulting

Description: New managers are often faced with having to hire, discipline, and terminate staff. Mangers are also responsible for enforcing policies and procedures unique to the recreation and/or aquatic environment, and for responding to claims of sexual harassment and retaliation. But do they really understand the legal implications arising out of human resource functions? This session will begin exploring how legal issues and human resource functions are intertwined.

Tuesday, September 29

8:00 AM - 8:15 AM

Welcome Remarks

8:15 AM- 9:30 AM

Anatomy of an Aquatic Lawsuit
Shawn DeRosa,
 DeRosa Aquatic Consulting

Description: Imagine this, you pull into the parking lot only to find an ambulance and police car at the front door to your aquatic facility. You aren't sure what happened, but you assume it can't be good. As you walk in, you see your lifeguards in tears and overhear parents talking about "the poor child." After the lights and sirens go away, your mind shifts to the inevitable—the lawsuit that will likely be filed. What does that mean for you and your staff? How do you prepare? Is there anything you could have done in advance of this incident to have better prepared your staff to prevent and manage the occurrence? This session will explore these questions and more as we dive into the anatomy of an aquatic lawsuit.

9:40 AM - 10:55 AM

No More Under/Drowning Prevention
Isabell Sakamoto,
Seattle Children's
Chezik Tsunoda, NoMoreUnder.org

Description: Isabell Sakamoto of Seattle Children's Hospital and Chezik Tsunoda of No More Under discuss ways aquatics professionals can increase their reach and inclusivity for messaging around drowning prevention. Learn about ways to prepare programs and services for next year while using creative partnerships to engage your community.

11:10 AM - 12:25 PM

Are You Prepared for the Unthinkable—An Active Threat?
Jeff Fryer,
 River Road Park and Recreation District

Description: Columbine, Virginia Tech, Aurora, Sandy Hook, Orlando, Parkland... Unfortunately, we are all way too familiar with the tragedies that occurred at these locations. How prepared are you, your staff, and your facility for the incomprehensible act of violence that occurs when an individual randomly begins to fire a weapon?

This session will identify and discuss:

  • the various trends and available programs that address the development of an emergency action plan for an active shooter/active threat situation
  • methodologies to apply these very trends and develop site-specific active shooter/active threat emergency action plans that address actions to take before, during, and immediately following such a significant incident

12:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Managing Risks at Beaches and Pools
Shawn DeRosa,
 DeRosa Aquatic Consulting

Description: Do your waterfront program policies mirror your pool approach to managing risks? Are all beaches appropriate for swimming? Has your department fallen into the trap of promoting swimming in dangerous waters? Does your waterfront program increase your agency's risk of a lawsuit? If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then it's time to reexamine your aquatics program. This session will get you underway!

 
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