Aquatic Play Feature Online Training Course New Format Offers Improved Learning Experience

Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation

Colorado Springs, Colorado, February 23, 2012-The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) announces the Aquatic Play Feature^TM (APF) online training course is now available in a new format, plus a Spanish version has also been launched. The new format offers better user interface, more interactivity, and easier navigation. The Spanish counterpart is a mirror of the English course. This course joins a growing portfolio of multi-lingual educational materials offered by the foundation.

The Aquatic Play Feature course is a stand alone educational tool for those who care for swimming pools with play features. "We have learned that aquatic play features can complicate management and operations," explained Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., and CEO of the NSPF. "For example, managing water chemistry to prevent RWI's can be challenging where aquatic play features are installed."

"This is a useful, focused resource for facility managers and operators who are committed to reducing risk in and around these popular entertainment features," added Alex Antoniou, Ph.D., Director of Education at NSPF. "It's all about assuring a healthy experience." The Aquatic Play Feature course content builds on the fundamental information found in the Certified Pool/Spa Operator®(CPO®) certification program, the online Pool Operator PrimerTM program, and the NSPF Pool & Spa Operator^TM Handbook. Course learning objectives include: • How to deal with cloudy water • Excessively high make-up water bills • High sanitizer/oxidizer consumption • Very short filter runs • Maintaining automated control systems • Management of water and of water chemistry • Chlorine and chemical addition issues • Filtration and circulation concerns • Play feature operational considerations • Usage of chloramines and stabilizers

Aquatic play features have migrated from waterparks to all types of pools and facilities, including backyard pools. In addition to spray parks and aquatic centers, aquatic play features are found at small motels, campgrounds, fitness centers, housing developments, hotel timeshare resorts, and military bases. Professionals who operate and manage these innovative recreational features, or are considering adding a feature, will appreciate the knowledge gained by taking this course. The interactive course features narration, images, video, and interactive activities, and includes a copy of the Aquatic Play Feature Handbook, also available in Spanish, Gui´a Aquatic Play Feature. The course can be completed in about two hours and costs $50.00 USD per student. Students have access to the training for six months once purchased.

The National Swimming Pool Foundation is an approved Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). As a result of its Authorized Provider status, NSPF is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for the APF online training course. Students who successfully complete the AFA training course can submit for IACET credits by contacting NSPF. Participants can register for the Aquatic Play Feature online training course at www.nspf.org and click on online training, or email [email protected] or call 719- 540-9119 for more information.

About NSPF® The National Swimming Pool Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1965, dedicated to improving public health worldwide and is the leading educator of aquatic facility operators and pool and spa professionals, and the chief philanthropic research sponsor in the aquatics field. The foundation has donated $ 4 million since 2003 to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the health benefits of aquatic activity. NSPF works towards its mission to encourage healthier living by increasing aquatic activity through education and research with its growing collection of multi-lingual educational products, certification and training, and sponsors the annual World Aquatic HealthTM Conference, now in its 9th year.