Florida college to offer two-year, online degree in aquatic engineering.(Newsroom)

A filly accredited Florida college has become the first such institution to offer a two-year Associate of Science degree for those entering the aquatics industry.

Keiser College, with nine campuses statewide, is partnering with Horner Equipment of Florida Inc., the Fort Lauderdale-based manufacturer/distributor, to present the program--which will be offered exclusively online. Those completing the program will receive a degree in "aquatic engineering."

Bill Kent, Horner president/owner, said the industry is sorely in need of such educational programs.

"There are no formal or accredited programs for the industry," he said. "A lot of [swimming professionals] don't have a clue about anything related to the actual swimming pool. I was really shocked to find out that coaches never, ever think about that kind of stuff."

The curriculum will include classes in water chemistry, filtration systems and basic pool operation and design. Most of the material has been gleaned from Horner's own in-house educational program, which teaches employees and customers what they need to know to maintain their contractors' licenses.

"For large pools, the more you understand the nature of the beast and confidence in management problems and maintenance issues, the better," Kent said.

Some of those classes will be incorporated into the online educational format. But Kent added ...