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Keeping Your Team Accountable
Accountability doesn’t stop after training week. This post shares practical ways aquatics leaders can build a culture of responsibility through clear expectations, documentation, and consistent follow-up. Learn how to “trust but verify,” model accountability, and keep your team aligned all season long.
Kirsten Barnes
Jul 14, 20227 min read


Rise Up for Parks and Recreation Month
It’s Parks and Recreation Month, and HydroApps is proud to rise up for aquatics! From community swim stats to team shoutouts and tips for celebrating your staff, this post shares why what we do matters—and how you can use July to highlight your impact.
Kirsten Barnes
Jun 29, 20224 min read


Happy Father's Day
Happy Father’s Day! At Counsilman-Hunsaker, we’re honoring the dads who inspire us—through poolside memories, vacations, and life lessons. From swim lessons to Cardinals games, see how our team members celebrate fatherhood in and out of the water.
Jen Post
Jun 15, 20222 min read


Opening Weekend Survival Guide
Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of swim season! From staying hydrated and planning your schedule to prepping your emergency kit, these pool opening tips will help aquatics professionals manage the chaos, stay comfortable, and lead with confidence all weekend long.
Kirsten Barnes
May 25, 20224 min read


The World's Largest Swimming Lesson
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is a global effort to raise awareness about drowning prevention. We sat down with AOAP’s CEO Juliene Hefter to learn how aquatic professionals can support this vital event, engage their communities, and prioritize water safety.
Kirsten Barnes
May 11, 20226 min read


Dear Mom
This Mother’s Day, we’re honoring the moms behind the swimmers—the ones who cheered from the sidelines, supported our goals, and shaped our love for aquatics. From lessons to lifeguarding, moms made it possible. Read our team’s heartfelt letters and join us in saying thank you.
Jen Post
May 4, 20223 min read


New & Improved HydroApps Version 5.07
We’re excited to roll out HydroApps Version 5.07 enhancements! From dashboard upgrades and new reporting tools to streamlined certification tracking, these updates were built from user feedback to save you time, boost accountability, and improve risk management.
Kirsten Barnes
Apr 27, 20224 min read


Incorporating Aquatics in Summer Wellness Programs
Summer wellness doesn’t have to mean adding big new programs—small steps can have a big impact. Learn how to integrate aquatic programming into your wellness efforts, from poolside yoga to creative partnerships and fitness tips your users will love.
Kirsten Barnes
Apr 14, 20225 min read


Thinking Outside the Box: Inclusion Training
The words “inclusion” or “adaptive” can feel overwhelming to swim staff, but inclusion training for swim instructors helps teams confidently support swimmers of all abilities. With the right tools, communication, and practice, your aquatic program can become a place where every child feels safe, supported, and successful in the water.
Stevie Weeks
Mar 30, 20225 min read


April Pool's Day: Pranks to Fool Your Team
With April Fool’s Day near, it’s time to plan fun pranks for your aquatics team. A good prank boosts morale and creates lasting memories, but set clear rules to keep pranks safe and professional. Focus on knowing your audience, staying within limits, being creative, and keeping pranks light-hearted. From balloon-filled rooms to candy mix-ups, these ideas are sure to bring laughs—just avoid messing with food surprises! Happy pranking!
Jen Post
Mar 16, 20225 min read


Happy Birthday, Justin Bieber!
What do Beliebers and your aquatics users have in common? With the right culture and guest experience, you can turn everyday visitors into passionate supporters. Learn how to build raving fans by focusing on service, feedback, and community engagement—just like the pros do.
Kirsten Barnes
Mar 1, 20225 min read


Schools Out! Get Your Gameplan Together
Make slow days or school breaks easier with ready-to-go activity boxes at your pool. From Family Game Day to themed crafts and games, these bins help staff deliver fun, low-cost programming with minimal prep. Easy to store, easy to use, and packed with creative ideas!
Stevie Weeks
Feb 16, 20225 min read


Not Your Standard Interview: Ideas for High-Volume, High Impact Seasonal Staff Group Interviews
Short on time but need to hire fast? Group interviews can help you connect with more candidates in less time while assessing teamwork, communication, and skills. With the right preparation, you can streamline your hiring process and find the best fit for your aquatics team—all while maintaining a positive candidate experience.
Kirsten Barnes
Feb 2, 20225 min read


11 Easy Staff Recognition and Appreciation Ideas
Recognizing and appreciating your aquatics team boosts morale, retention, and performance. After a tough year, it’s more important than ever to show your staff they’re valued. From handwritten notes to peer shoutouts and fun awards, even small gestures can make a big impact. Discover 11 easy ways to build a culture of appreciation at your facility.
Kirsten Barnes
Jan 26, 20225 min read


Your Year in Review: End-of-Year Reporting for Aquatics
Review key data and KPIs to improve aquatics operations. End-of-year reporting helps plan smarter and make informed decisions for the season ahead.
Kirsten Barnes
Dec 23, 20215 min read


MAHC Monthly Checklist
Take time to review your daily, weekly, and monthly checklists for MAHC compliance—proper documentation is key to safety and risk management. Ensure tasks are completed, recorded, and understood by your team. Train staff to spot issues early, and consider tools like HydroApps to streamline documentation. A quick audit now can help prevent serious incidents later.
Kirsten Barnes
Nov 16, 20214 min read


8 Ideas for Black Friday Aquatic Deals to Offer
Consider offering a Black Friday deal for your recreation agency! Drive revenue, boost program retention, and engage your community with uni
Kirsten Barnes
Nov 8, 20217 min read


6 In-Service Resources to Find at Your Local Halloween Store
Stock up on moulage supplies for realistic in-service training! Fake blood, severed fingers, broken bone kits, and more help staff react eff
Stevie Weeks
Oct 28, 20213 min read


3 Classic Halloween Event Ideas
Create a spooky, safe pool party with floating pumpkins, glow hands, skeletons, pumpkin relays, and a fun Halloween playlist!
Stevie Weeks
Oct 16, 20214 min read


9 Tips to Tell Your Story in a Meaningful Way
Tell compelling stories to showcase the impact of parks and recreation. Connect emotionally, use visuals, and inspire action!
Kirsten Barnes
Oct 6, 20214 min read
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