Aquatics International articles from May 2006

Aquatics International archives from May 2006

Challenging conventional wisdom: lifeguarding relies more on collective observations than research, and that puts patrons, staff and facilities at risk.(lifeguarding guidelines)(Editorial)
May 1, 2006... History is littered with examples of people mistaking collective wisdom for scientific fact. Probably the most notorious is the flat-earth theory. It took science and research to disprove that notion and show that, in fact, our world is quite...

Competitive venues defended.(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... As a competitive swim coach, I defend competitive venues. And as a city commission member and taxpayer, I have interest in city betterment, tax rate and accessibility. While Randy Mendioroz's article, "Balancing Act" (March 2006), made...

15-year-old lifeguards not ready.(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... Great points made about young guards in Rin-rin Yu's "New Ruling Allows 15-Year-Old Lifeguards" news article (March 2006). These guards should not have the sole responsibility for a given area, such as in waterparks where no direct...

A major trend: more universities and colleges are offering aquatics programs.(aquatic sciences)
May 1, 2006... Universities always encourage students to apply their higher learning to real-world situations. Today, students can literally get their feet wet, from the first day of school all the way through graduation. Across the country, more and...

Military drownings.(military aquatics training)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... A spate of drownings have sparked questions about military aquatics training. In 2004, a Naval officer drowned in Florida. A Marine recruit drowned in 2005. The same year, another Marine in San Diego died after two instructors held him in the...

Minority drowning.(THE BUZZ: INDUSTRY TRENDS WORTH WATCHING)
May 1, 2006... Since Aquatics International published its series on minority drowning, other media have followed suit. The L.A. Times offered a lengthy report earlier this year. In March, Forbes.com reported that drowning was greatest for African-Americans...

Roman Fountains contracted for WTC memorial.(World Trade Center)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Roman Fountains, designer and manufacturer of commercial and residential fountains, is part of the team behind the World Trade Center memorial's fountain. The Albuquerque, N.M.-based company will evaluate the design and testing of Dan Euser...

New certification for Florida swim teachers.(public school swim instructors be certified to teach disabled children)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... State legislator Susan Goldstein filed a bill in Tallahassee, Fla., mandating that public school swim instructors be certified to teach disabled children. The bill allocates $535,000 for the program. According to Goldstein, the amount will be...

Universal commercial standard in the works.(commercial pool codes)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Imagine a time when commercial pool codes are consistent across the country. That dream moved one step closer to reality this spring as discussion about rewriting the commercial pool standard continued at a meeting of the Association of Pool &...

Victim awarded in Moscow Waterpark incident.(compensations for damage)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Tamara Papitashvili of the Russian Republic af Georgia was awarded 1.3 million rubles in compensation for damage from the Transvaal waterpark collapse in 2004. Papitashvili lost her husband and son during the waterpark collapse, and the...

University student designs new life jacket.(Adam Malcom, was awarded for his design of life jacket)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Adam Malcom, a mechanical engineering graduate student at of Virginia, was awarded $5,000 for designing a new kind of life jacket. The international competition was sponsored by BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water and the...

CDC studying UV effectiveness: research will examine UV's ability to kill chloramines--and improve air quality.(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)(ultraviolet)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is conducting the first-ever study of ultraviolet systems' ability to kill chloramines and improve indoor air quality. The study was jump-started in 2004, when more than 60 people...

Experimental hot tub lung treatment announced.(mycobacterium avium)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... A faster, more reliable treatment for hot tub lung soon may be available. Called Klearsen Respiratory Inhalation Therapy, it may be the first nonantibiotic therapy specifically to remedy the aquatic affliction mycobacterium avium complex,...

N.J. Park fined after drowning incident.(New Jersey)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... New Jersey officials fined Gillian's Island Waterpark in Ocean City $25,000 for five safety violations in the drowning of Jasmin Winder of Olney, Pa. Lifeguards last track of the teen during a shift change while Winder slipped off the slide....

Thompson rejects honor from university.(rejects awards )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Olympian Jenny Thompson has rejected the prestigious Charles Holmes Pettee Medal from the University of New Hampshire in protest against UNH's decision to eliminate its men's swim team. Thompson retired from swimming in 2004 with a U.S.-best...

Correction.(Correction notice)
May 1, 2006... An April article, "Going Green," incorrectly labeled a photo of a filter an page 31 as an example of an automatic backwash system. The product is actually a high-efficiency perlite media filler with extended filter cycle that requires no...

Legionnaires' kills one, sickens many: two cases confirmed at an Illinois hotel; another 150 guests report sickness.(causes of legionnaires disease )
May 1, 2006... A 90-year-old Indiana woman has died from Legionnaires' disease after swimming in an Illinois hotel pool. The woman, whose name and hometown has not been released, was one of two confirmed cases in the Lincoln, Ill., outbreak at a Best...

Nationally recognized swim instructor dies.(Obituary)(Obituary)
May 1, 2006... Honey Lanning, nationally recognized "swim instructor of the stars," passed away a week after being diagnosed with cancer. She was 64. The Finnish-born instructor and owner of Lanning & Associates was well known for her staunch belief in...

For good measure: paying attention to the ppm only and ignoring ORP may be putting your patrons at risk.(TECH TALK)(oxidation reduction potential research)
May 1, 2006... For the past 16 years, I have been traveling around the United States training operators. During that time, one thing has become abundantly clear: There's a lot of confusion about the relationship--and the difference between--oxidation...

Workin' for the weekend: everyone wants weekends off. But that may be the biggest obstacle to overcoming RWIs.(weekend maintainance of aquatic facilities)
May 1, 2006... Like many leisure pursuits, most aquatics activities take place outside of banker's hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Yet just when their facility's attendance is peaking, many operators give time off to themselves and their most...

Surviving a crisis: if you don't know to handle your staff, the media and the community, a drowning is often just the beginning of the tragedy.(educating lifeguards)(Cover story)
May 1, 2006... The tragedy became every young lifeguard's worst fear. In January, 8-year-old Garrison Adams failed to resurface after going down the slide. As lifeguards pulled him from the water gasping and jerking, rescue alarms shattered the calm afternoon...

Checks and balances: are you prepared for summer? Here's a checklist of important steps to properly open your facility for the coming swim season.(maintenance of swimming pools)
May 1, 2006... After a long winter, it's time to wake the hibernating swimming pool and rouse it for the upcoming summer season. And as every operator knows, that requires more than just pulling leaves out with a skimmer and turning everything back on. ...

Guarding against misconceptions: existing research doesn't always back up the common wisdom behind lifeguard training. Here are eight misconceptions about lifeguarding and the science that may set the record straight.(lifeguarding, a distinctive skill)
May 1, 2006... Several important aquatics professionals and lifeguard training agencies have questioned whether lifeguard surveillance techniques are based on science. While many opinions abound about lifeguard scanning, few of them are rooted in actual...

Step on it.
May 1, 2006... Fibergrate Composite Structures has slip-resistant surfaces that are made to provide sure footing even in wet and slippery conditions; molded grating is available with either concave or grit-top surface, while the company's pultruded grating is...

Fix it up.
May 1, 2006... EPo-Lux 221SP is Chemline's new direct-to-concrete, high-build masonry coating; requires no primer, according to maker; designed for use on poured-in-place, aged concrete, as well as fiberglass; made to resist moisture penetration from constant...

Training support.(THE SOURCE)
May 1, 2006... The Sprint Technical Trainer is Aquatics by Sprint's new product that can be used to maintain a horizontal body position, provide a platform to sit on, or provide support for an aquatherapy program; made so that a user can strengthen...

Automatically clean.
May 1, 2006... Water Tech introduces its newest commercial grade, automatic robotic pool cleaner, the Blue Pearl; offers one- to three-hour variable cleaning; climbing brushes are designed to reach tough spots on pool walls; works with an external timer and...

American Locker Security Systems.
May 1, 2006... Product: Statesman Locker Features: manufacturer offers this pointed stainless steel locker with lock options that include coin, key and electronic operation Contact: American Locker Security Systems Inc., Jamestown, N.Y. 800.828.9118...

Aquatics by Sprint.
May 1, 2006... Product: Career Ducks Features: made from durable vinyl, and latex-flee; mode to be fun for kids to play with, as well as helping to develop hand/eye coordination; 12 styles from which to choose Contact: Aquatics by Sprint, Son Luis...

Commercial Recreation Specialists.
May 1, 2006... Product: Strike Guard Lightning Detection Systems Features: monitors lightning within a user-set radius and provides o signaling at user-set lightning activity thresholds; enables automated initiation of lightning evacuation plans and...

Anchor Industries.
May 1, 2006... Product: Funbrella Palm Features: 20-foot permanent, nonretractable umbrella is constructed of a new mesh material that is designed to provide 95 percent UV blockage; made to exceed structural codes for an 85-mph, 3-second gust velocity; 4...

Big Squirt!
May 1, 2006... Product: Portable Fill Station Features: provides a portable, interactive fountain as well as an attraction; for use with company's Water Toy retail item Contact: Big Squirt! Inc., Torrance, Calif. 310.782.8180 Circle 481 un...

Comtec Industries.
May 1, 2006... Product: TuffTec Moltitier Lockers Features: solid plastic, homogenous color; nonabsorbent und resists stains, odors and mildew, according to maker; available in a variety of colors and designs Contact: Comtec Industries, Moosic, Pa....

Aquatic Recreation Co.
May 1, 2006... Product: Cyclone Features: interactive water-play feature is designed for all ages; users rotate structure to create projecting water effects; available in a variety of colors Contact: Aquatic Recreation Co., Minnetonka, Minn....

CCSI International.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Atria Pool Enclosures Features: enclosure con help to keep a club/recreation facility open year 'round Offerings: design assistance, literature Contact: CCSI International Inc, Garden Prairie, Ill. 800.537.8231, ext. 363...

Counsilman-Hunsaker.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Aquatic Planners and Designers Features: company offers aquatic design, planning and engineering; portfolio includes universities, high schools, recreation centers and more Contact: Counsilman-Hunsaker, St. Louis 314.894.1245...

Dri-Dek.
May 1, 2006... Product: Self-Draining Floor Tiles Features: 3-by-4-foot interlocking sheets and 3-by-12-foot interlocking rolls are available; anti-skid, self-draining surface is designed to be keep wet floors dry; constructed using Oxy-B1 vinyl to fight...

Duragrid.
May 1, 2006... Product: Matting Features: modular safely mats snap together; mats measure 12-by-12-inches; ideal for use in showers or toweling areas Contact: Duragrid, div., Snap Lock Industries, Salt Lake City 800.457.0174 Circle 475 on...

Empex Watertoys.
May 1, 2006... Product: Aquawave T450 Features: new kiddie wave slide is made from corrosion-resistant fiberglass and can be used in shallow pools and sprayparks with chlorinated water; can be used on sloping beach entries or level play surfaces; product...

Family Fun Corp.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Uniwall Features: walls offer the design freedom of gunite, the strength of concrete and low maintenance, according to the manufacturer; Uniwall becomes serf-supporting when reinforced with pockets of concrete, continuous lengths...

GameTime.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Spraypark Products Features: company introduces o line of zero-depth spraypark products, known as GTH20, by Rain Drop Products; Omnipod technology Contact: GameTime, Fort Payne, Ala. 800.235.2440 Circle 448 on Postage-Free...

Gold Medal Products Co.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: 2006 Funfood Catalog Features: full-color, 112-page catalog showcases a wide range of equipment and supplies for the concession industry; includes items necessary for producing popcorn, cotton toady, Sno-Kones, nachos, pizzo and...

Kay Park Recreation Corp.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Site Concession and Furnishings Features: line includes benches, picnic tables, bleachers, park grills, litter receptacles, bike racks and drinking fountains Contact: Kay Park Recreation Corp., Janesville, Iowa 800.553.2476 ...

Mat Factory.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Ergo Mattas Features: designed to be nonslip and soft underfoot; full drainage; interlocking roll-up tiles are made for easy removal and cleaning; available in seven colors; composed of rubber and flexible PVC; 100 percent...

Miracle Recreation Equipment Co.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Water Slides Features: the WSRB692308 offers multiple slides, including a speed slide with a three-story drop; company also has a selection of products that include 36-inch open or enclosed body flume slides, speed slides, drop...

Most Dependable Fountains.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Play Tower Two Features: one of three Play Towers, it's designed for parks; water spray is activated by a soft-touch push button and can be set to run up to two minutes each cycle; built from 304 schedule 10 stainless steel; nine...

Markey & Associates.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Planning and Design Features: company offers planning and design of aquatics parks, public and commercial pools, competition and institutional pools Contact: Markey & Associates Inc., Kennesaw, Ga. 770.424.1306 Circle 470...

Mason Corp.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Water Slide Designs Features: company has six new standard water slide designs for 2006; aluminum construction is designed to be attractive and affordable; two of the new designs can be self-installed for less than $10,000; free...

National Ticket Co.
May 1, 2006... Product: Bar-Coded Wristbands Features: wristbands are designed to provide maximum control, customer tracking, simplified accounting and added security; accurate tracking of presales, gate admission and instant customer reports are some...

Natural Structures.
May 1, 2006... Product: Fiberglass Water Slide Features: model 1865 is a double flume fiberglass and polyethylene combination slide, featuring 270-degree reverse curves; variety of slide combinations: body, raft, hillside and decktop slides; open and...

NorthEast Aquatic Design & Supply.
May 1, 2006... Product: Spray 'N Play Features: versatile and durable modular spraydeck system, according to manufacturer Offerings: 10/25-year warranty Contact: NorthEast Aquatic Design & Supply Inc., Peabody, Mass. 978.535.7900 Circle 463...

Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Architects, Engineers and Designers Features: company designs recreation, exercise and therapy pools, as well as municipal and commercial waterparks Contact: Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative, Denver 303.294.9244 Circle 462 an...

PEM Surface Creations.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: PEM Aquatic Matting Features: can be utilized at commercial facilities with spraydecks, pool decks, locker rooms, showers, steps, ramps and more; matting incorporates a textured slip-resistant surface, porous design and soft PVC...

Recreonics.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Lifeguard Chair Umbrellas Features: two canopy styles; vinyl-laminated nylon with alternating color panels and solid-color open-weave Textaline, which allows greater air circulation while blocking 70 percent of the sun's rays,...

Precision Dynamics Corp.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Visa Band Wristbands Features: all new for 2006 are ClearImage, Tytan-Band Wave, Tytan-Bond Expressions and Visa Band Vinyl Wristbands; wide selection of Tyvek and plastic wristbands which are made to be tear-resistant,...

Purple Moon Products.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Pool Bouncers Features: inflatables are available in a variety of themes, shapes and colors; all pool inflatables are supplied with inflation fan, flotation ropes and flexible air hose Contact: Purple Moon Products Inc.,...

S.R. Smith.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: TurboTwister Features: new for 2006, this slide's water delivery system pumps up to 40 gallons per minute; slide is more than 8 feet tall; available in designer granite and sandstone colors that are intended to match the latest to...

SCS Interactive.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: SplashTrack Features: combines a roller coaster with interactive WaterPlay; wet and dry play attraction features suspended seats that go through an obstacle course of water curtains, exploding geysers and water blasters; each...

Shade Systems.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Shade Covers Features: provides sun-protection products for use at poolside, picnic areas, water-play and other outdoor gathering places with new patented Turn-N-Slide easy canopy removal system Contact: Shade Systems Inc.,...

Splashtacular.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Custom Water Slides Features: company offers custom water slides for any size aquatics facility; portfolio includes 32- and 54-inch body slides, 42- and 84-inch raft slides, themed slides, splash bowls, family slides, kiddie...

Sun Ports.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Shade Structures Features: multicolored shade structures can provide shade at an aquatics facility; the pictured structures are made to give the facility a modern look; mesh fabric allows for cool air circulation, which keeps...

Taiyo Birdair Corp.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Umbrellas and Shade Structures Features: preassembled umbrellas with 47- to 222-square-foot coverage; cantilevered, corner or center supports; wind rated; closable and linkable for more coverage; stainless steel connections;...

Vortex Aquatic Structures Intl.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Spray Cannon Features: rotates 360 degrees and has a controllable spray zone that can soak anyone within a 30-foot radius Offerings: 25-year warranty; conceptualized renderings; layout drawings; on-site support and more ...

Waterloo Tent & Tarp Co.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Lifeguard Umbrella Features: extreme wind durability due to fiberglass ribs and components, according to maker; anodized aluminum pole; available in various shapes and sizes; custom colors, designs and logos Offerings:...

Waterplay.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Sound Soakers Features: company now offers components with interactive sound effects that are activated when water flow is blocked Contact: Waterplay, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada 800.590.5552 Circle 438 on...

Water Technology.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: Aquatic Planners, Designers, Engineers Features: portfolio includes indoor and outdoor waterparks, resort/hotel pools, family aquatics centers, sprayparks, indoor and outdoor leisure pools, competition pools, university and high...

WaterPark Experts.(LEISURE POOL AMENITIES)
May 1, 2006... Product: WaterPark Attractions Features: company offers aquatic themed slides and play units, water slides and spraypark systems Contact: WaterPark Experts Inc., Seguin, Texas 830.401.4797 Circle 439 on Postage-Free Card ...

Whitewater West Industries Ltd.
May 1, 2006... Product: AquaPlay AP200 Features: interactive water-play structure has slides, valves, cranks, cannons, net climbs and spray features that give the user control Contact: Whitewater West Industries Ltd., Richmond, British Columbia,...

Zebec.
May 1, 2006... Product: Lily Pad and Round Pool Floats Features: heavy-duty floats are designed to be anchored to the pool as play stations and can be combined with overhead netting for additional activities; each unit includes on anchor point D-ring and...

Adolph Kiefer & Associates.
May 1, 2006... Product: CPR Rescue Tube Features: 40-inch multipurpose design with built-in CPR mask pocket (mask said separately); Delrin buckles, 12-inch extension strap, 6-foot heavy-duty tow line and 40-inch shoulder harness Contact: Adolph...

Aquamatic Cover Systems.
May 1, 2006... Product: Hydrolux Features: hydraulics make for an automated lid that enables the cover to be hidden in the pool floor; floating slats make installation without tracks or leading edges possible, per maker Contact: Aquamatic Cover...

Aquatic Technology.
May 1, 2006... Product: CPR and Aquatic Safety Signs Features: detailed CPR instruction signs are available in English and Spanish; bright, UV-resistant inks; made with heavy-duty white styrene (plastic) or aluminum; predrilled for easy hanging; more than...

American Red Cross.
May 1, 2006... Product: Workplace First Aid Cabinet Features: fully stocked, wall-mountable first aid cabinet is designed to meet all requirements for first aid established by OSHA and ANSI; allows for neat, organized and easy-to-find first aid supplies;...

Aquatic Access.
May 1, 2006... Product: Pool and Spa Lifts Features: models IGAT-180, IGAT-180/135 and IGAT 180AD lifts are self-operated and water-powered; lifts mount into the pool deck and meet all of the requirements of the ADA, according to maker; designed for easy...

Brown Medical Industries.(SAFETY AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT)
May 1, 2006... Product: Active Seal Features: moisture protection for casts and bandages during recreational or therapeutic water activities; thermoplastic elastometer material Js made to offer superior stretch Contact: Brown Medical Industries Inc.,...

Aquam Aquatic Specialist.(SAFETY AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT)
May 1, 2006... Product: Rescue Can and Rescue Tubes Features: can be used for waterpark, lake, beach or pool rescues; manufactured with quality materials and built to lost, according to maker Contact: Aquam Aquatic Specialist Inc., Champlain, N.Y....

Aquatic Safely Research Group.
May 1, 2006... Product: "Disappearing Dummies" Video Features: aquatic safety expert Dr. Tom Griffiths explains how and why lifeguards have difficulty detecting bodies on the bottom of "clear" swimming pools; hundreds of hours of filming in a variety of...

eLifeguard.com.(SAFETY AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT)
May 1, 2006... Product: Lifeguard Waterman Board Shorts Features: polyester stretch fabric is made to flex with the body's movement; designed to dry quickly and not retain water; 11-inch inseam for lifeguarding, surfing or hanging out; Velcro-free fly,...

The Finals.
May 1, 2006... Product: Guard Glide Splice Super V-Back Features: guard suit is 53 percent polyester, 47 percent PBT; constructed of 100 percent polyester blend fabric for extra durability in withstanding repeated exposure to chlorinated water; front...

The Lifeguard Store.(SAFETY AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT)
May 1, 2006... Product: 2006 Catalog Features: catalog offers a wide variety of items for aquatics facilities; national brand swimwear and accessories included, as well as deck and safely equipment; custom printing and embroidery is done on site ...

Lifesaving Resources.(SAFETY AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT)
May 1, 2006... Product: Safely Programs Features: company offers numerous training programs for the lifeguard, aquatics safety and recreation sector including the three-hour "Scored Straight of Aquatics" and the eight-hour "Lifeguard In-Service Training...

Marine Rescue Products.
May 1, 2006... Product: Splash Rescue Tube Features: tube has un adjustable shoulder strop and reach loop; measures 50-by-6V2-by-3V2-inches; available in royal/white, navy/white, yellow/black and red/black; guard logo Contact: Marine Rescue Products...

H2O Innovations.
May 1, 2006... Product: Portable Lifeguard Station Features: designed to supplement the supervision provided by larger permanent guard stations; easily movable, according to maker Contact: H20 Innovations, Fargo, N.D. 877.377.7837 Circle 420 an...

Inlays.
May 1, 2006... Product: Safety Edge Tile Features: 2-by-6-inch safety edge ceramic tiles are factory skid-resistant and frostproof; designed to clearly mark the step edge to enable safe pool entry; available in blue or block Contact: Inlays Inc.,...