Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide

#38 Navigating the Complexities of Drowning Prevention in a Changing Political Climate - part 2 with Sue and Mick Nelson

The critical issues surrounding swimming, coaching and community recreation is water safety, and less so the making of gold-medal champions. The challenges faced by aquatic facilities today are on the rise. Closing pools. Indifferent politicians. Tighter budgets. Busy families. Covid too. Discover the trends, obstacles, and solutions in the world of swimming and drowning prevention.

• The impact of COVID-19 on drowning statistics and swimming lessons.

• Challenges in maintaining and operating commercial swimming pools.

• The shortage of qualified lifeguards and its implications.

• The role of local organizations versus national support in drowning prevention.

• The importance of educating communities and politicians about the value of aquatic facilities.

Half of Americans don't know how to swim, yet they're the ones making decisions about our pools. It's time to educate our communities and politicians on the true value of water safety." - Sue Nelson Key concepts:

Drowning prevention, data analysis, CDC, Consumer Product Safety Commission, trends, COVID impact, swimming pools, lifeguards, aquatic programming, local advocacy, ethnic disparities, pool closures, maintenance issues, swimming lessons, community education, USA Swimming, private sector, public sector, water safety, Mick Nelson, Sue Nelson, Mark Rauterkus, podcast, aquatics, governmental challenges.

Notes of Merit

1. Data Usage and Comparison

2. Difference between data usage by Mick Nelson's organization and the CDC.

   • Importance of current data for local advocacy and marketing.

   • Trends identification and the limitations of data collection.

3. Impact of Political and Economic Changes

4. Effects of layoffs and budget cuts on data collection and analysis.

   • The role of local organizations versus national support.

   • The importance of local action plans in drowning prevention.

5. Trends in Drowning and Water Safety

6. The impact of COVID-19 on drowning statistics and swimming lessons.

   • Increase in backyard pools and their safety concerns.

   • Ethnic disparities in drowning rates, particularly among Hispanics.

7. Swimming Pool Closures and Maintenance Issues

8. Tracking of commercial pool closures and reasons behind them.

   • Challenges in pool maintenance and the role of trained personnel.

   • Financial constraints and their impact on pool operations.

9. Lifeguard Shortages and Training

10. Difficulty in recruiting lifeguards and the reasons behind it.

    • The need for qualified lifeguards due to increased recreational facilities.

    • The impact of work ethics and financial incentives on lifeguard availability.

11. Community Education and Political Influence

12. The lack of swimming skills among Americans and its implications.

    • The role of community and political education in valuing aquatic facilities.

    • Misconceptions about the financial operations of swimming pools.

13. Future Discussions and Podcast Continuation

14. Introduction to upcoming topics in the next podcast episode.

    • The need for increased swimming education and awareness.

    • The role of the private sector in addressing aquatic needs.

Learn more

• Link to the business of Sue and Mick Nelson, Total Aquatic Programming, https://TotalAquatic.llc

• Heavy Or Not podcast

• International Swim Coaches Association

• Heavy Or Not #37, and Part 1, and Introduction to Sue Nelson's Career Journey on Substack.

An introducation to Sue Nelson, part 1.

Explore the inspiring career-journey of Sue Nelson and her husband, Mick, who transformed their coaching careers by thinking beyond traditional competitive swimming.

Discover how they built a thriving aquatics business by embracing innovation and community needs.

Learn about the pivotal moment that led Sue to shift from competitive swimming to aquatic fitness and therapy.

Explore how they launched Waterway Therapy, a Medicare-certified outpatient agency, and expanded their services.

Understand the strategic partnerships they formed with hospitals and fitness organizations.

USA Swimming hired the for important work to support coaches and clubs in their efforts to build their own facilities

Discover the importance of creating multiple revenue streams for a stable and sustainable business model.

Gain insights into how their approach to coaching can be adapted by others to build a successful career.

In future episodes, we'll hear more from Mick and Sue as they've been key players in keeping statistics on water safety.

Their business is Total Aquatic Programming, LLC at https://totalaquatic.llc/.

#36 A Tour of Insights and Coaching Wisdom Episode 36 of "Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide," presents comprehensive tour of the podcast archives from Coach Mark Rauterkus.

Whether you're a new listener or a long-time fan, this episode is your chance to catch up on all the valuable insights shared so far.

• Explore the importance of mindset in sports and how mental reps can enhance athletic performance.

• Dive into the mechanics of swimming, focusing on kicking, body position, and stroke efficiency.

• Discover the role of artificial intelligence in sports and how it can revolutionize coaching and performance tracking.

• Learn about the challenges and potential solutions for revitalizing aquatic programs in Pittsburgh Public Schools.

• Gain insights into the history of swimming coaching, including Cold War secrets and innovative training techniques.

Subscribe to the podcast for more episodes packed with swimming wisdom and coaching strategies! Go back and replay the laps you skipped.

Every dozen episodes, it is time for a review.

Our content is evergreen, as we develop our voice and encourage you to absorb the archives. The walkthrough hits every episode released so far. Catch up on all the swimming wisdom we've shared.

• Mindset Mastery: Revisit the importance of mental reps in sports and how to train the space between your ears just like your physical skills.

• Kicking Techniques: Dive into the mechanics of kicking and learn how to design practices that build effective swimming skills.

• AI in Sports: Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing sports coaching and performance tracking.

• Aquatic Education: Explore the challenges and potential of revitalizing aquatic programs in urban school districts.

• Cultural Perspectives: Gain insights into global coaching practices and how they differ from the US approach.

Episode #06 is the shortest one, clocking in at just under three minutes. It's a quick yet profound reflection on life, coaching, and passion that's definitely worth a replay!

We're excited to have you with us on this journey through our podcast archives. Each episode is packed with insights, tips and inspiring stories that are as fresh today as when they were first released.

Thanks for being part of our community. Have a wonderful, safe time at the pool!

Check out all the episodes in a course at WAFSU.org. Join the conversation!

35, The Importance of Social Support in Overcoming Sport Injuries Recap of the ebook, Psychology of Sport Injury, edited by Dr. John Heil, that explores the multifaceted impact of injury on athletes.

The book emphasizes the critical role of psychological care alongside physical treatment for successful recovery and performance. It covers various aspects of sport injury, including the athlete's perspective, psychological risk factors, assessment and intervention strategies, and biomedical issues like pain management and medication.

The ebook and this podcast highlights the importance of a team-based approach involving physicians, sports medicine specialists, and psychologists, and discusses challenges such as chronic pain, fear of reinjury, and managing the transition out of competitive sport. Ultimately, the ebook advocates for a comprehensive, psychologically-informed approach to injury management that can extend beyond the athletic realm.

Structured overview of the topics and sub-topics discussed in the jump cut #35 of Heavy Or Not

Psychological Approach in Rehab

Education for the patient

Setting clear goals

Using mental training techniques

Leveraging social support

Podcast and E-book Introduction

Mention of "The Ready Room" podcast

Introduction to the e-book "The Psychology of Sport Injury" by Dr. John Heil

Summer McIntosh's Interview sample snip

Excitement about moving to Texas

Trust in training and potential unknowns

Future educational plans

Psychology of Sport Injury

Physical vs. mental and emotional aspects of injury

Importance of addressing psychological side in treatment

Dr. John Heil's personal story illustrating psychological impact

Broader Application of Insights

Application beyond traditional athletes

Relevance to performing artists and musicians

Unique Needs of Athletes and Performers

Differentiation between normal and high-demand performance settings

Emergence of sports medicine and sports psychology

Team-Based Approach in Sports Medicine

Multi-specialty involvement

Psychological impact of all team members

Athlete's Experience with Injury

Internal and external pressures

Complexity of pain for athletes

Decision-making in return to play

Career Termination Due to Injury

Life transition and identity adjustment

Importance of counseling

Pre-Injury Psychological Factors

Influence of stress and focus on injury risk

Stress model and its implications

Psychological Assessment and Tools

Comprehensive assessment approach

Use of pain scales, psych tests, and diaries

Intervention and Team Approach

Psychological intervention based on distress and commitment

Importance of developmental stage

Chronic Pain Management

Multidisciplinary approach

Synergistic effects of coordinated care

Role of Social Support

Types of social support

Importance of maintaining team connection

Mental Training Techniques

Relaxation, imagery, and biofeedback

Pain management strategies

Rehabilitation Challenges

Muscular guarding and compliance issues

Overcompliance and related risks

Severe and Catastrophic Injuries

Intensive intervention needs

Career-ending injuries and identity loss

Psychological and Medical Integration

Multidisciplinary team value

Proactive prevention and early intervention

Patient-Athlete Metaphor

Application of principles to all injured patients

Broader role of psychologists in the team

Remarkable Recovery and Growth

Commitment and hard work in recovery

Sport as a microcosm of life

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Sport injury as a mind-body challenge

Transferable skills for life challenges

Call to Action

Encouragement to join the International Swim Coaches Association

Subscription and sharing of the podcast

Links:

Get the ebook: https://psp.sendowl.com/s/ebook/psych/psychology-of-sport-injury-by-international-swim-coaches-assocation

To the full interview with Summer McIntosh on The Ready Room.

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.

In #33 of the Heavy Or Not podcast get a, peek into critical issues surrounding recent CDC cuts and explore the intriguing insights from a comedian's graduation speech.

Hear about essential topics on public health with swimming and life lessons with a touch of humor.

CDC's Drowning Prevention Team Cuts Article from Politico discussing the cuts. Layoffs at the CDC affecting the drowning prevention team. Loss of dedicated expertise and focus within the agency. Timing of cuts during increased drowning deaths. Impact on children ages one to four. Possible reasons: fewer lifeguards, canceled lessons. Challenges in rebuilding water safety skills post-COVID. Importance of CDC's role in data analysis and partnerships. Impact on local groups and funding without national data. Unfinished research and projects halted. Artificial Intelligence Advancements Google Meet's real-time speech translation. Allows natural conversation in different languages. Initial rollout in English and Spanish, with more languages to follow. KRISP tool for meetings. Offers silent recording, transcription, and note-taking. Background noise reduction and accent conversion features. Integration with CRM for task tracking and action items. Custom vocabulary for workspace terms. Graduation Speech by a Comedian Life lessons shared by the comedian. You don't have to have a dream; focus on short-term goals. Don't seek happiness directly; aim to make others happy. Acknowledge the role of luck in life. Importance of exercise for mental and physical health. Be critical of your opinions and beliefs. The value of teaching and sharing knowledge. Define yourself by what you love, not what you oppose. Respect people with less power than you. Don't rush life decisions; embrace learning and experiences.

Jim Lutz's Guide to Building a Strong Coaching and Team Foundation

Our Heavy Or Not insightful discussion, #32, cultivates the culture, strategies and principles for building a successful program, as outlined within an ebook by author and coach, Jim Lutz. Discover how loyalty, recruitment, and development play crucial roles in creating a thriving team environment.

• Explore the foundational role of loyalty and its five key aspects, including honesty and consistency.
• Learn about the importance of recruiting the right fit, focusing on character and passion.
• Understand the ongoing effort required in development, addressing both strengths and weaknesses.
• Gain insights into effective time management and the significance of setting priorities.
• Discover how artificial intelligence can streamline processes for coaches and program coordinators.

The ebook is available at https://sendowl.com/s/ebook/culture/decide-your-culture-build-your-team-by-international-swim-coaches-assocation for only $8.00.

We're thrilled to release these thought-provoking episodes -- and this one that features another OG swim coach, Jim Lutz. If you're looking to establish quality swim, sports and youth programs -- or just want to soak up some wisdom on leadership and personal growth, this one covers lots of hot yet timeless topics.

What You'll Learn a Pathway and Suite of Priorities:

1. Loyalty as a Foundation: Discover how honesty, consistency, and the desire to excel can transform your team dynamics.
2. Recruiting the Right Fit: It's not just about talent; it's about character and passion. Learn how to find those who align with your culture and goals.
3. Development Strategies: Uncover the secrets to nurturing strengths and addressing weaknesses, ensuring your team members reach their full potential.
4. Responsibility and Integrity: Understand the importance of handling yourself well, even when no one's watching, and how to empower your team through trust.
5. Mastering Time Management: Get tips on planning and controlling your time effectively, ensuring you and your team stay on top of your game.

Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know that Jim Lutz has spent more than 50 years in competitive swimming? From clubs to NCAA and USA swimming, his hands-on leadership experience is inspiring!

We hope you enjoy heavy issues and a glimps of Jim Lutz's principles. Whether you're a coach, team manager, or just someone looking to improve your leadership skills, there's something here for everyone.

Call to Action: Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a true OG swim coach! Head over to SwimISCA.com to check out Jim's e-book and explore more of his insights. And if you have any thoughts or feedback, we'd love to hear from you. Share your comments, audio, or even video with us!

Thanks for being part of our community. We can't wait to hear how these insights resonate with you!

Heavy Or Not – The O.G. Swim Guide, Episode #31

https://HON.LAP.red

"You can prepare for the work, but you can't always predict the weather."

In this episode of Heavy Or Not, we explore the real-world parallels between weathering literal storms and facing the emotional and professional trials coaches endure over time. Coaches Jim Lutz and Barry Healy share hard-won lessons from the deck and beyond.

Featured Voices:

• Jim Lutz: Coach, author, and Arizona sunshine philosopher

• Barry Healy: Veteran Canadian coach and lifelong mentor

• Special reference: Dr. John Hogg, sport psychologist and author

• Legacy lens: Insights from Cecil Colwin, author and coach

Highlights from Episode #31: 1. Navigating Life's Storms

Jim Lutz opens with a sunlit reflection—literally. While others face dark skies and sleet, he frames life's changing circumstances through the lens of perspective. "The storm is the same for everyone," he says, "but the way you show up in it… that's what coaching is."

2. The Role of Mentorship

Barry Healy dives into how mentorship shaped his decades in the pool and the classroom. His admiration for Dr. John Hogg—especially Hogg's calm and clarity under pressure—anchors a wider conversation on coach development.

3. Team Culture Is Built, Not Inherited

Both coaches emphasize culture as an intentional, daily act. Whether it's a handshake after practice or informal "fireplace sessions" like those hosted by Cecil Colwin, the rituals matter more than the rules.

4. Mental Health, Balance, and Coaching Today

Today's coaches are stretched thin. The emotional weight of leading young athletes, managing expectations, and staying grounded is greater than ever. This episode doesn't shy away from that truth—but it offers hopeful, practical encouragement.

5. The Next Generation Deserves Our Best

Jim and Barry both express a shared purpose: helping the next wave of coaches find clarity sooner. "You don't have to suffer to be good," says Barry. "You need guidance, not just grind."

Mentioned in This Episode

Check out the companion book and course: Mental Skills for Young Athletes by Dr. John Hogg https://Read.SwimISCA.org/why/mental-skills-for-young-athletes/

Watch or Listen Now Final Word

Whether you're coaching a national team or leading a youth rec league, this conversation will speak to the heart of why you do what you do. It's about mentorship. It's about resilience. And it's about the big picture—beyond medals and swim times.

Subscribe at https://HON.LAP.red and be part of the growing Heavy Or Not coaching and sports-minded community.

Further Resources:

• More episodes: https://WAFSU.org

• ISCA Membership: https://Read.SwimISCA.org

• Send your mascot pics: https://YOUCANswim.wetransfer.com

In this episode of the podcast, Heavy Or Not, we kick off with friend and O.G., Wayne Goldsmith. His rant delves into the unsettling mark of young champions at the age of 8 and 9. His podcast is called, Sports Thoughts. Then we pivot to talk about two successful college sports programs that have been abruptly cut. Oh no! Cal Polly Swimming, Men & Women's Teams, plus Grand Canyon University Men's Volleyball suffered unexpected and unexplainable cuts. Heavy topics. Abrupt losses. Heartbreaks.

Links:

• https://waynegoldsmith.substack.com/
• https://Substack.com/@rauterkus
• https://HON.LAP.red
• https://Go.LAP.red

Notes: The opening segment supplied by Wayne is a fine example of a "Heavy Or Not Jump Cut Rant." Rather than doing typical podcast interviews, this first-person rant is desired and welcome. You too can send in your messages to be included as well. Upload to https://UCANSwim.WeTransfer.com. Share a story. Sound off on a topic. Cut to the chase and use your phone to make a recording. Of course, a video is fine too, but the audio needs to be present. A couple of photos work well too.

Full team and coaches role play activities in 10 scenes that progress in a full-blown story.

• Heavy Or Not – The O.G. Swim Guide | Episode 29

• A peek inside Dr. John Hogg's Mental Skills for Young Athletes - course and ebooks

Take the time and boost performance, focus, and confidence in your athletes. This episode of Heavy Or Not dives into the often overlooked but game-changing world of mental skills training.

We explore the groundbreaking work of Dr. John M. Hogg and the "Script and Screenplay" eBook, where athletes develop self-awareness, goal-setting, and emotional control — all through imaginative role-playing and practical exercises. It's more than theory — it's a coachable, learnable system that integrates seamlessly into physical training that teams can deploy.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why mental skills are the missing piece in many training programs

• How to use structured role-play to teach self-awareness and motivation

• Practical tools for goal setting, relaxation, and energizing techniques

• Ways to help young athletes turn mindset into their competitive advantage

Explore the Mental Skills full LMS course: https://Read.SwimISCA.org/why/mental-skills-for-young-athletes/

Whether you coach swimmers, water polo teams, or any competitive youth athletes, this approach gives you tools to support the whole athlete—body and mind. Buy the Script & Screenplay book. https://sowl.co/p/jwaLm