Focus on aquatics.

The National Aquatic Section (NAS) of NRPA can provide essential support services to help you pursue your aquatic interests. NAS is a dynamic organization of aquatic professionals engaged in the development and delivery of aquatic leisure services by advocating adequate, safe, and innovative aquatic programs and facilities, to the membership and public it serves. The NAS is governed by the National Aquatic Council, an elected/appointed council composed of aquatic professionals representing a wide variety of aquatic experience and interest, who freely give of their time, energy, and talents while serving on the council. The advisory council makes recommendations to NRPA in aquatic matters.

All NAS members are potential members of the council and are encouraged to participate in the various committees through which the council conducts it's business. The council's elected members consist of eight regional representatives; past, present and elect president, and three "at-large" representatives. Appointed members include representatives from the various branches and sections of NRPA and a trustee liaison. Additionally, the section and the council are guided by an Executive Secretary and three staff members. It is through the efforts of these professionals that NAS has developed national notoriety and financial solvency.

TEN YEARS OLD AND "FLOWING"

The NAS is ten years old, with a membership soon to reach one thousand in number, and a financial portfolio that makes up nearly one sixth of the NRPA income. The section hosts a premiere national aquatic conference each March, publishes and markets several aquatic textbooks, endorses, through NRPA, several national aquatic programs, conducts a certification course for aquatic facility operators, and provides its membership with a quarterly aquatic review/newsletter.

AQUATIC PUBLICATIONS "DIVING" INTO THE FUTURE

Currently, the section publishes two test: the AFO Manual and the Ellis Life Guard Text. Three new publications will be out this year: Ellis Life Guard Oxygen Supplement, the U.S. Coast Guards' Boating Safety Manual, and the Aquatic Games Book. NAS recently received a $23,000 grant for the development of a document that would serve as an encyclopedia for pool operation standards and codes.

BE A PART OF THE "FLOW" IN 1996

The council has established the following general target areas for completion in 1996: To increase and enhance the effectiveness of our section through marketing/promotion; improve communication; host regional clinics; compile an encyclopedia for pool operation standards and codes; compile data from needs assessment and develop an action plan; determine the diversity of our membership; update section bylaws and create a procedure manual for the section. We hope you will consider becoming part of this dynamic aquatic organization.