Ambitious new aquatics group debuts.(NEWSROOM)(International Aquatics Foundation)

A new aquatics organization debuted in May with an aim toward changing the way the industry addresses standards, education and water safety.

The group, the International Aquatics Foundation, is part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization of the former National Spa & Pool Institute, which recently changed its name to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. The IAF, its standards, education and safety arm, represents a diverse group of professionals, said Carvin DiGiovanni, the former APSP senior director of technical, education and government relations. He will now serve as IAF's president and CEO.

"We have an opportunity to branch out to the waterparks, the theme parks. We have people who are steeped in science and research technology. It will be great to bring it all together," DiGiovanni said.

The charter board of directors includes: Nelson Fabian, executive director of the National Environmental Health Association; Don Leas, representing U.S. Diving; Farhad Madani, president-elect of the aquatic branch of the National Recreation and Parks Association; Kevin Maher, vice president of government affairs for the American Hotel & Lodging Association; Maureen Williams, executive director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance; and two independent representatives: Gene Wells and Joel Grayson.

One of IAF's goals is promoting water safety to both the public and the industry.

"It's essential that the pool industry and safety advocates work hand-in-hand to promote pool safety, and the IAF provides an ideal forum," Williams said. "We need to collaborate to promote better education programs and material, focusing on layers of protection, as ...