Top ten lists to jazz up your aquatics.

PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships with outside agencies and community groups enable aquatic programmers to maximize staff and financial resources. Programming opportunities borne from a successful partnership are unlimited. Do not forget that aquatics professionals are not the only experts, and that professionals in other areas of expertise can help us realize our potential.

10. Fitness/Health Clubs The local gym or health club may be willing to cosponsor your lifeguard competition. Shared facilities and staff make this type of event run more smoothly. Consider an exchange of members, where your facilities are available for their members to use, and vice versa.

9. Local Health Agencies Your state department of health can be an excellent resource for cooperative programming. They may be interested in conducting a pool operators' course at your facility.

8. Community/Neighborhood Association Team up to cosponsor special events for area residents. These groups can be the best advocates for your program.

7. Local Hospitals Health fairs, lectures on health-related topics and cancer screenings are just some programs that can result from this type of partnership.

6. Volunteer Groups/Service Clubs These organizations are always looking for ways to be involved in the community. Enlist their support in a special event. Groups such as the Kiwanis and Jaycees are a good place to start.

5. YMCA/YWCA By pooling your resources with agencies of this type you can expand the scope of the community services you provide.

4. Private Foundations These resources may have grant money available for recreation and aquatic programming.

3. American Red Cross Many aquatic facilities currently partner with this agency. Besides training classes, they may help you with resources such as training materials and instructors.

2. School Districts Partnering with the local school district may expand your facilities and programs. A school without access to a pool may be interested in recruiting teams to offer an aquatic portion to their existing physical education program.

1. Local Police and Fire Departments Begin by holding their training programs for new recruits and then team up for drowning prevention programs. The Aqua Dudes from the Phoenix Fire Department has experienced great success with their drowning prevention program.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Large or small, special events can complement any existing aquatic program. Events for a specific age group, or for the whole famIly, will help increase attendance and revenue. Be creative in your planning. Combining a sound marketing plan with a spectacular kick off event will set the stage for an exceptional event

10. Cancer Screening Conduct skin cancer screening for the customers at the neighborhood aquatic center.

9. Scuba Poker Local scuba clubs conduct under water poker games. This event can also include other under water games such as monopoly. By adding prizes, an event becomes more attractive for all participants.

8. Summer Splash Give a pool party for all ages, or target a specific group. It can be held early evening or late night. Include door prizes and live radio remote.

7. Water Polo Incorporate inner tubes to make this a fun game for individuals of all swimming abilities.

6. Under Water Easter Egg Hunt The participants in this event can be grouped by age or swimming ability. Sink treasures in plastic eggs and have the kids retrieve them.

5. Fishing Derby Rather than draining the pool at the end of the season, try converting it into a fishing pond. Special water treatment is required for this event. Be sure to enlist the assistance of the State Fish and Game Commission.

4. Lifeguard Competition Local or regional competitions bring lifeguards together to test their skills and knowledge. Corporate sponsorships can help make these events affordable.

3. Teeny, Weeny Bikini Contest and Trunk Twist Contest This is designed for preschool children. Besides the contest, add games and activities. Be sure to actively involve the parents.

2. Beach Parties/Hawaiian Luau These events can be designed for individuals of all ages. Incorporate food, music, decorations and contests. Draw upon the creative energies of your staff.

1. Flick and Float/Dive in Movies Participants bring rafts and view a movie while floating in the pool. Staffing is critical for a safe and enjoyable event. Consider adding scuba divers to help monitor the water under the rafts.

FITNESS PROGRAMS

Aquatic-based fitness programs are booming. They are a great draw for individuals who are just starting to exercise as well as for those fitness buffs looking for a new challenge. These programs can accommodate many participants resulting in an increase in revenue. Certification programs for instructors are available with several national certifying organizations.

10. Water Walking Includes different ways of walking in the water to work various muscle groups and provide a balanced workout.

9. Aquatic Interval Training This extremely intensive form of aquatic training is geared towards the well-conditioned, advanced exercise participant.

8. Aquatic Circuit Training Incorporates standard circuit training with stations and instructor guided methods.

7. Aqua Step This is a great workout particularly for muscular strength and endurance.

6. Aquatic Strength Training Training done in an aquatic environment that includes various strength training options and the use of equipment.

5. Sea Stride and Crunches Sea Stride incorporates basic low impact and moderate impact walking drills and skills. Crunches include various training techniques to work abdominal and back muscles.

4. Specialty classes for patients with Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis The Arthritis Foundation and Multiple Sclerosis Society offer training programs specifically for aquatic fitness instructors.

3. Power Walking Exercise The principles of power walking can be used in the water to add a new dimension to your programs.

2. Deep Water Exercise Maximize your pool by incorporating standard deep water training, high-intensity, non-impact cardiovascular strength training. This program is guaranteed to draw a new generation to your aquatic program.

1. Aqua Toning This activity uses a variety of equipment as well as the built-in resistance of water. These programs can be designed for individuals of varying levels of physical fitness.

CLASSES

Classes, especially non-traditional ones e a new draw. Creative titles and concerns can help spice things up. Today's customers are more apt to register for classes that do not require a large commitment of their time. Consider offering classes that meet less frequently and over shorter periods. As registrations increase, it will be noted that these programs are more attractive than the classes of yesterday. Additionally, consider contracting out the instruction of your classes by paying a percentage of the revenue to the instructor. Insurance requirements may differ for each agency, thus affecting the feasibility. By contracting instructors, the financial risk for some classes is reduced.

10. Parent/Child Water Safety Program These programs are very popular. The time that parents spend with their children result in positive experiences.

9. Diving Involve the high school or college diving coach with this program. Offer diving clinics or demonstrations during public swimming. This can create renewed interest in the sport.

8. Synchronized Swimming Much like the diving program, public demonstrations or clinics can create an interest in new classes. United States Synchronized Swimming offers an excellent coach's training program and a resource book on synchronized swimming.

7. Scuba and Skin Diving Instruction Enlist the help of local scuba-diving instructors. They may be willing to teach classes in exchange for pool time for their customers.

6. Learn to Swim, Lifeguarding, and Water Safety Instructor Classes Traditional programs like these are often the foundation of aquatic programs. They will always be necessary for both the facility and its customers.

5. Junior Lifeguard Programs These are the stepping stones needed to groom future lifeguards. By getting a head start on training teens in First Aid, CPR and Emergency Water Safety you will be establishing a solid foundation for the lifeguards of tomorrow.

4. Bait, Spin and Fly Casting Instruction Enlist local volunteers from an angler's club to conduct this program. State Fish and Game commissions may have fishing poles and other resources available for use in this program.

3. Boating Safety Basic boating skill classes and safety can be taught in your facilities. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers may be good resources to help with this program.

2. Kayak/Canoe Skill Sessions Basic skill classes in canoeing and kayaking can be taught in most facilities. An indoor kayaking competition can be used as a special event at the completion of the course. Washington University has been successful in running such an event.

1. Underwater Photography This combines the use of an underwater disposable camera and a basic photography class to add a new twist to your aquatic programming.

FACILITIES

It is possible to make faculty enhancements even if you do not have the capital for a new pool. Here are some suggestions for enhancements that are low or no cost. Before getting started, consult your Health Department particularly if the enhancement alters you pool. Keep in mind that you must also work with state and local building codes.

10. Sprays in a Dish Maybe you have enough funds for a dish with sprays that can be an added feature to your pool. People love to splash and play in water. Being familiar with your health and building codes will make the process easier. Sprays consist of simple plumbing parts. Several good products are available which will provide a non-slip finish.

9. Inflatable Slides These are available for less than the cost of a traditional slide but provide just as much fun. The inflatable slide may be attached to a three-meter diving board or tower. Prices start in the area of $8,000.

8. Drop Slides Big slides are great, but small ones give a new thrill to any pool. Deck mounted drop slides are available from several vendors, starting at about $8,000.

7. Inflatables and Floatables Several products are available both in inflatable and floatable versions. These work best when tethered and many believe it is better to invest in more than one. By using them at the same location simultaneously, more customers can be served. Prices start in the area of $2,000.

6. Water Fountain Several varieties of fountains are available. They can be added to an existing pool or put in a dish of water. Fountains are relatively inexpensive, starting at $4,000, but the installation can be costly.

5. Portable Pool Islands Need shallow water for your classes? The portable pool island comes in three sizes with railings on two sides. Similar to the old aluminum standard, these are constructed of PVC and cost very little. Stainless steel units are also available. Prices start at $200 and go up, depending in the size.

4. Water Basketball and Volleyball Great fun and inexpensive. Consider a curved basketball backboard so the ball returns to the water.

3. PVC Storage Almost anyone can make amazing storage areas with PVC pipes. Consider a storage rack for your wet PFDs. Lash netting around a box shape to make a waterproof storage "playpen." The sky is the limit; you figure the cost.

2. Rafts Rafts/floatation devices may be used during special times, or at the dive-in movie. Kids love them and they cost very little. They also can be rented to customers for a nominal fee.

1. Obstacle Course Use your imagination to make an obstacle course by using existing equipment, hula hoops, diving equipment, inflatable inner tubes, etc. Be creative. Alternate use of existing equipment will enhance your programs and cost next to nothing.

What is on your top ten list? Think about your top ten priorities for improving the aquatic experience in your community.