Rec software makes a splash: recreation management software systems can shorten an aquatic center's registration line -- and improve its bottom line.

As today's aquatics centers become more diverse and sophisticated, recreation management software programs have evolved to keep up with management demands.

Flexible programs now can manage activity registrations, facility reservations, concession sales and membership databases. Advanced software allows participants to register via the Internet, send confirmation e-mails, and help create Web pages for operators, instructors, coaches and participants.

By using software programs to their full capabilities, aquatics facilities can enhance services to local residents, facility members and guests, increase participation and revenues, and improve staff efficiency.

Sign 'em up!

Each program offered by an aquatics center produces various amounts of data. Managers must track hours offered, available instructors, fee structures, enrollment, payment terms and more. Activity-registration software easily tracks all this data. Additionally, the software can process on-site and Internet enrollments and produce rosters, receipts and financial reports.

During registration, activity software improves efficiency by allowing the staff to instantly locate activities by keyword or multiple keywords, or by using the activity numbers listed in the aquatics catalog. When a staffer enters a client's name, all their information in the database appears on screen, including family members, payment history and balances, and contact information. Multiple family members can register for one or more activities and use various types of payment, all with lust a few keystrokes on the same computer screen.

The system automatically adds all associated taxes, late fees and nonresident fees onto the total transaction cost. The program also can handle special transactions such as transferring a participant from one activity to another, placing deposits on activities and collecting the balance later, and allowing supervisors to void transactions. For popular activities, the programs allow staffers to establish waiting lists or conduct lotteries to determine enrollment.