Saving Swimming Pools: The Battle for Community Resources and Health Benefits

The Role of Sports in Social Services and Community Development

The pressing issues facing the world of sports and swimming today needs YOU at the TABLE. From the closure of swimming pools to the role of sports in education, we must lead and seek power for more those beyond the championship meets.

• The potential closure of over 30 swimming pools in Toronto and its implications.
• The launch of enhanced games and the controversy surrounding supplement use.
• The importance of sports being included in discussions on health and education.
• The impact of budget cuts on drowning prevention efforts and opportunities for intervention.
• The role of community engagement and innovative solutions in promoting sports and safety.

We made a call out for Sue and Mick Nelson to join in future discussions. An interview is expected. But sadly, there were a few mistakes. 

Corrections:

• Mick and Sue Nelson worked at USA Swimming, not for the Foundation.

• Their company, Total Aquatic Programming, (see https://totalaquatic.llc/)  is still an independent contractors for USA Swimming.

• Since 2008, they have been collecting data on fatal drownings.

• Their goal is to help individuals, cities, foundations, and others identify their risks and understand where drownings are occurring. This information enables them to develop strategies and campaigns to raise awareness and inform their communities.

• They also have kept records on pool closings.

 Sequence of topics covered in the transcript, with sub-topic bullets below each primary topic:

1. Challenges in Sports and Swimming
2. • Closing of swimming pools in Toronto
   • Launch of enhanced games and concerns about supplement use
   • Efforts to get a big picture view of the situation
3. Child Protection and Social Services in the UK
4. • Comparison of information quality between the UK and Canada
   • Role of Sport for Life in Canada
   • Importance of sport in reintegrating kids into school
5. Sport's Role in Health and Education
6. • Lack of representation of sport at decision-making tables
   • Conversation with a developer about community needs and tax concerns
   • Importance of selling the benefits of sports to health and education sectors
7. Efforts to Save Swimming Pools in Ontario
8. • Battles to save school swimming pools
   • Changing public perception about the value of swimming pools
   • The role of swimming pools in community service and safety
9. Integration of Sport in Social Services
10. • Challenges in aligning sport with social services, police, and hospitals
    • Importance of understanding and meeting the needs of different stakeholders
    • Starting small and expanding successful programs
11. Selling Sport as a Community Builder
12. • The concept of "our gang" in sports
    • Using sport to change lives and build community
    • Creative ways to engage volunteers and participants
13. Impact of Policy Changes on Drowning Prevention
14. • Effects of budget cuts on drowning prevention efforts
    • Opportunities for sports organizations to fill the gap
    • Importance of maintaining and expanding drowning prevention initiatives
15. Data Collection and Analysis on Drowning Incidents
16. • Mick Nelson's work on tracking drowning statistics
    • The need for comprehensive data to inform prevention strategies
    • Potential collaboration with Mick Nelson for insights and business opportunities
17. Future of Swimming and Sports Post-COVID
18. • Challenges in swimming education and access post-COVID
    • The impact of COVID on sports participation and development
    • Exploring alternatives and new sports trends
19. Engagement and Community Building through Media
20. • Promotion of the "Heavy or Not" TV show and podcast
    • Invitation for audience participation with school or team mascots
    • Use of mascots in promoting mental skills for young athletes

Each topic and sub-topic provides a detailed look into the various discussions and concerns raised in Heavy Or Not, jump-cut #34.