The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
NASCO is proud to be a supporter of The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL). The goal of this event is to to reduce drowning among children by creating an awareness around the water and increasing their swimming ability. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children.
The WLSL will take place on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 10 am ET in an attempt to beat the Guinness World Record for the largest swimming lesson to occur simultaneously at multiple sites. Join us in our mission “To Reduce the Loss of Life Due to Drowning” by clicking on the WLSL logo for more information or to sign up as an official WLSL site.
The 2010 Aquatic Safety School Was A Phenomenal Success
The 11th Annual NASCO International Aquatic Safety School was a phenomenal success. Aquatic Safety School took place in January 6th – 9th 2010 at the world class swimming facilities at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas .
Representatives from public and private sector aquatic facilities came from as far as California to New Jersey and from Canada to Florida to take part in the four-day school. They received the latest training in NASCO programs and upon successful completion were licensed as NASCO Lifeguard Instructors. Guest speakers, rescue report statistics and industry trending from the 2009 season were presented. Networking opportunities enhanced the school further with the wide variety (including indoor & outdoor) of aquatic facilities represented. Participants frequently commented on how professionally organized and pertinent that Aquatic Safety School was their needs.
The School’s Faculty was composed of a group of highly experienced and talented individuals in the field of aquatics. Three of these industry veterans have been awarded the Kelly Olge Memorial Safety Award from the World Waterpark Association. There was even a surprise appearance at the awards banquet by NASCO’s mascot – Milton “The Lifeguard Dog”.
We look forward to seeing you at the 12th Annual NASCO International Aquatic Safety School in 2011.
Celebrating 35 years of Aquatic Leadership
This past year caused me to reflect on the history of NASCO, and the fact that we have been serving the Amusement and Aquatic Industry for over 35 years. Who would of thought that back in 1974 that the concept of reducing the loss of life due to drowning would of grown so large, and in this way? Recall that in 1974 there were little, if any, waterparks and the knowledge about how to defend a waterpark was virtually non-existent. I was busy teaching basic lifesaving courses when I decided that a program had to be developed that was completely devoted to lifeguarding. Our first courses were taught in municipalities. It was during this time that we began providing litigation support in drowning cases. Then in 1983, we became involved in waterparks. At first it was mostly conducting facility inspections and our advanced lifeguarding/leadership course, better known as Top Gun. Then our lifeguard index was developed and implemented and was widely accepted by many waterparks across the nation. In the mid 80’s we began working in the hard rides side of the amusement industry with programs that paralleled what we had done in aquatics.
All of our programs have been developed over many years of careful research and observation, with contributions from industry and aquatic professionals far too many to name. It goes without saying that without these contributions, NASCO would not be what it is today. It is for this reason, and others, that one of our operating tenants is that everyone affiliated with NASCO has a voice. We are committed to being better than we were the year before at reducing the loss of life due to drowning. With the contributions of our friends and associates, we look forward to a progressive future.
Sincerely,
John L. Hunsucker
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Act
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Act (VGB) is an important piece of federal legislation that every pool operator should be aware of went in effect on December 19, 2008. The regulation is named for Virginia Graeme Baker who died in a suction entrapment incident when a spa drain trapped her underwater. Under the law all public pools and spas must have compliant drain covers installed and a second anti-entrapment system installed if applicable. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the federal agency responsible for the enforcement of VGB. It is also important to be aware of how your local & state agencies plan to address the regulation. Regulation and industry sites that discuss VGB are listed below.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP)
World Waterpark Association (WWA)
National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF)
International Amusement Park and Attractions Association (IAAPA)
Chet Jacobson Speaks at WWA on the Life Cycle of Water Slides
Chet Jacobson was a guest speaker to full audience at the WWA Trade Show in late October 2008 on the topic of waterslides as they age.
The discussion covered water slide materials, fastener components, fiberglass & the support structures. There was an depth focus on identifying areas of concern, preventive maintenance and discussion on the criteria levels for evaluating whether to repair or replace an attraction.
Photo examples were shown during Chet’s presentation of some common and unique ways that water slides can deteriorate over time.
