Aquatics Only

• Hosts: David Stennett and Luke Daly
• Topics covered:
  • Recent events in the aquatics industry: ARV in Victoria, South Australia's aquatic event at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, and more.
  • Career insights: The importance of lifeguard roles and career pathways in the aquatics industry.
  • Discussion on safety: Chemical handling risks, the importance of facility management, and recent incidents, including a gym fatality and a fire at a chemical factory in Georgia.
  • Review of the 2024 Drowning Report: Key insights on child drownings, international statistics, and prevention efforts.
  • Upcoming events: The ARI Awards and preparations for attending, including a bit of fun banter about wardrobe choices.

Show Description: Join David Stennett and Luke Daly as they dive back into Aquatics Only! In this episode, the dynamic duo discusses the latest happenings in the aquatics industry, including events in Victoria and South Australia. They also highlight the critical role of lifeguards and career opportunities in aquatics, while shedding light on some serious safety issues around chemical handling and facility management. To wrap things up, they touch on the 2024 Drowning Report and the industry’s continued efforts in drowning prevention. Plus, get a sneak peek into the ARI Awards and hear some fun banter about tuxes and sparkly jackets!

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

Join Luke Daly as he interviews Emily Bower, General Manager of Ampd Academy, in this episode of Aquatics Only Podcast. Emily discusses her career journey from school-based trainee to running a leading Registered Training Organisation in the aquatics industry, all while managing the demands of raising two young children. The episode highlights key challenges in the industry, from evolving training standards to the need for greater recognition of aquatics as a long-term career. Whether you're a swim teacher, facility manager, or aquatics professional, this episode dives deep into what it takes to succeed in the field and the future of aquatic training.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

In this episode of Aquatics Only, we dive into the world of aquatic sports and inclusivity with two engaging interviews. Our first guest is Matthew Haanappel OAM, Paralympic gold medalist and aquatics manager. Matthew shares his personal journey, his experiences in the Paralympics, and his work promoting inclusivity within aquatics. The second half of the episode features Declan Gillard- Martin, discussing the SPLASH! Trade Expo 2024.

Highlights:

1. Interview with Matthew Haanappel:
   • Matthew's journey: From starting in water therapy as a child to winning gold at the Paralympic Games.
   • Paralympic Games Impact: How the Paralympics have grown and the pivotal moments, particularly after the London 2012 Games.
   • Inclusion and Ability: Matthew emphasises the importance of focusing on what people with disabilities can do and how swim schools can be more inclusive.
   • Looking forward: Matthew shares his passion for creating talent pathways for the next generation of Paralympians and fostering inclusivity in aquatics.
2. SPLASH! Trade Expo 2024 with Declan Gillard-Martin:
   • Event Overview: A recap of one of the biggest aquatic industry expos in the Southern Hemisphere.
   • Industry Trends: Discussion on the event’s impact and the importance of collaboration within the aquatics industry.
   • Future of Splash Expo: Insights into what’s in store for 2026 and how the event can further bridge different sectors of the industry.

Key Quotes:

• "We’re not just talking about change, we’re living it." — Matthew Haanappel
• "Inclusion is a priority for the aquatics industry, and we need to focus on community and equity for all." — Matthew Haanappel
• "SPLASH! Expo has grown into something truly global, and we're only getting started." — Declan Gillard Martin

Resources:

• Learn more about the Paralympic Games and their history: Paralympics Official Website
• Discover more about Splash Expo 2024 and upcoming events: SPLASH! Trade Expo

Stay Connected:

• Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content and updates.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

In this episode, host Luke is joined by Martin Sheppard, co-founder and owner of the National Sports Convention, and a veteran with over 45 years of experience in the aquatics and recreation industry. Martin shares his extensive background, starting as a pool lifeguard in the UK to managing multiple leisure facilities across Australia. Together, they discuss the recent ARNA meeting and the crucial need for a united voice within the industry to better influence government policy and funding.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Martin’s Background: Martin recounts his journey from being a pool lifeguard to becoming a key figure in the aquatics industry, managing leisure centres, and contributing to national sports initiatives.
• Purpose of the ARNA Meeting: Martin explains the objective of the ARNA meeting, which was to explore whether the industry needs a single, united voice to effectively communicate with government bodies and secure funding.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The discussion highlights the fragmentation within the industry and the missed opportunities due to the lack of a unified message. Martin emphasises the importance of aligning the industry's goals with government agendas, particularly in areas like health promotion, crime prevention, and community development.
• Case Studies: Martin shares examples of successful community initiatives, including a social value assessment project in Brimbank, Victoria, and a crime reduction program in Liverpool, UK, both of which demonstrate the significant impact of aquatics and recreation programs on local communities.
• Next Steps for the Industry: Martin outlines the immediate next steps for the industry, including forming a small working group to create a clear, concise document that articulates the industry's size, impact, and alignment with government priorities. This document will be used to engage with government officials and advocate for the sector.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

Welcome back to Aquatics Only, the podcast dedicated to all things aquatics! In our second episode, hosts David Stennett and Luke Daly dive deep into the expansive world of aquatics, exploring everything from the industry's definition to its most intriguing dynamics.

We kick off by clarifying what the aquatics industry truly encompasses, with the help of ChatGPT. David and Luke then take us on a journey through their experiences at the LIWA Conference in Perth, where they encountered some truly unique aquatic facilities, including a fascinating sideways pool at Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre.

The conversation takes a turn as they discuss the phenomenon of the "Aqua Ladies" – the often formidable regulars at aquatic centres who are known for their high standards and, sometimes, fierce feedback. This leads to an exploration of the importance of community in aquatics, highlighting the critical role of long-term staff and the vibrant engagement found at facilities across Perth.

Listeners are also treated to exclusive interviews with Olympic swimming legend Michael Klim and Fluidra Commercial's Jeremy Smith. Klim shares his insights on what makes a 50-metre pool "fast" and the impact of pool depth on performance, while Smith delves into the logistics and considerations of modular pools, especially in the context of major events like the Olympics.

The episode wraps up with a thought-provoking discussion on the future of aquatics facilities, particularly in light of the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and the importance of engaging industry experts in the planning and design phases of these significant projects.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]