As told to WC&P

This year’s World Aquatic Health™ Conference (WAHC) drew nearly 300 attendees from 41 states and six countries, representing an increase of approximately 29 percent. With 45 seminars on every aspect of aquatic health, WAHC has become the foremost venue for science-based aquatic education.

In addition to those who attended the event in person, an equal number took advantage of the opportunity to register and attend seminars on the World Wide Web. This number will most likely continue to increase, as the complete educational content of the conference remains accessible online at www.ePro Academy.org. With a convenient, per-seminar fee structure which includes multi-session discounts, those unable to attend the event can learn at their own pace throughout the coming months as schedules and budgets allow. “This is an incredible opportunity for people around the world in the field of aquatic health,” noted National Swimming Pool Foundation’s (NSPF) Director of Educational Programs Alex Antonio.

Dr. Michael Beach of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave a powerful presentation entitled, “Recreational Water Illness: Lessons from Outbreaks” inspiring new vigor in the ongoing fight against recreational water illnesses. Three-time Olympic Gold medalist Debbie Meyer was the keynote speaker; her inspiring speech included video of her memorable win in the 1968 summer Olympics. Adolph Kiefer, who made Olympic gold history at the 1936 games in Berlin, shared his stories as well. Those at the event were delighted to be a part of the reminiscences and insights of these two atheletes.

Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of NSPF, summed up the event succinctly: “World experts presented new science and research; new industrial technologies were highlighted; and seven seminars were presented by NSPF grant recipients. Our commitment to bringing new science, advances and knowledge was made a reality at this conference.”

NSPF took a unique approach to ensuring that all voices would be heard at this year’s conference: the organization donated table-top display space to non-profit organizations including US CDC, the American Red Cross and the Swim For Life Foundation, among others. This enabled many groups to have a place in the discussions and fellowship of the event.