YMCA of the USA and NSPF Cooperate on Delivering Operator Training

Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation

CHICAGO, Ill. & COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. /May 1, 2015 — YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) is phasing out the current Pool Operator on Location (POOL) training program and replacing it with a training option aligned with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s Model Aquatic Health Code. As part of this commitment, Y-USA signed a Preferred Vendor Agreement with the National Swimming Pool Foundation® to deliver the Certified Pool/Spa Operator® Certification (CPO® Certification). This agreement allows the Y-USA and local Ys to focus on their mission and to leverage the world’s leading operator training and certification program.

“Adopting the CPO® Certification program makes sense. It facilitates our compliance with the national standard of care outlined in the Model Aquatic Health Code issued by the

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC),” said Cindy McDermott, National Director of Membership YMCA of the USA. “Collaborating with the National Swimming Pool Foundation opens the door to a full spectrum of educational opportunities including online training, Spanish materials and facility management courses.”

The CPO® Certification program is considered the most widely accepted pool operation certification around the world, having trained more than 400,000 people in 93 countries.

“The Y engages more people in aquatic programs than any other organization in the world. We are honored to have the opportunity to serve more of their staff to help them keep their pools safer, running more efficiently — and to bring healthier lives to a greater number of people through aquatics,” said Michelle Kavanaugh, NSPF Mission Development Director, US/Canada.

“This collaboration allows the Y to do what they do best and NSPF to do what we do best. The result is a win for the Y, win for NSPF, and most importantly, a win for the people enjoying those great facilities,” stated Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation.

YMCA
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

NSPF
We believe everything we do helps people live healthier lives. Celebrating our 50th Anniversary, we believe we can make a difference by encouraging more aquatic activity, making pools safer and keeping them open. We do this by offering the world’s leading educational products and programs that are technically sound, convenient, and beautifully designed. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, proceeds from our educational products fund research and help create swimmers. In 2012, we launched Step Into SwimTM Campaign, a 10-year initiative to create 1 million more swimmers. To find ways to work together, visit nspf.org, email [email protected], or call 719-540-9119.