Aquatics International: Latest News

Amusement Giant Reaches Class Action Agreement

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:37:21 EST

Lawyers for a major amusement entertainment firm have agreed to settle a class action lawsuit over a 2008 viral outbreak at its New York waterpark resort.

Cohn Entrapment Lawsuit Settled

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:05:29 EST

The family of a high-profile entrapment victim has settled a wrongful death lawsuit.

Federal EB-5 Program Helps Waterparks

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:12:07 EST

The federal government's EB-5 visa program for foreign investors can generate millions in financing for job-creating projects.

IPSSA, NSPF Work on Courses

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:53:38 EST

The two associations have joined forces to develop course materials required for pool service technicians in Florida.

State Department Clarifies J-1 Visa Requirements

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:46:35 EST

J-1 Visa rules clarified for pool management companies

Foreign Entrapment Suit to Be Heard in USA

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:44:45 EST

Resort chain Sandals will be sued in U.S. District Court over an entrapment death that occurred in a Bahamian resort.

Suits Filed Over Disabled Pool Access

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:46:23 EST

Lawsuits have been filed against hotels charging non-compliance with ADA rules on pool access.

CYA Revisited

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:05:21 EST

Two experts write a letter to the editor in response to the Aquatics International April 2013 article titled, "Is CYA Out on the Inside?"

CPSC Head to Leave in Fall

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 10:35:09 EST

Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, will not seek renomination for her post.

Connecticut Drownings Spark Bills

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 10:46:38 EST

Two drownings in Connecticut high schools have spurred state legislation that some claim could pose an unmanageable financial burden.

APSP J-1 Coalition Averts Disaster

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 04:38:12 EST

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has announced that its J-1 Coalition successfully achieved clarifications from the U.S. State Department, enabling pool management companies to receive foreign worker visas for its seasonal employees.

AOAP Conference & Expo a Hit

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 02:43:16 EST

The 2013 AOAP Conference & Expo attracted more attendees and exhibitors than last year, as well as strong support for its educational program.

Swimming for a Good Cause

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:45:55 EST

It happens every June when tens of thousands of people around the world hop into swimming pools at the same moment. Sometimes there are so many arms and legs in the water, it’s almost hard to imagine conducting the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. But they do — at aquatics facilities, YMCAs, swim schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and waterparks — and a Guinness World Record is set.

Hotel Not Held Liable in Drowning

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:22:59 EST

Former Olympic Coach to Plead Guilty

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:15:22 EST

Former Olympic swim coach Rick Curl has agreed to plead guilty to a charge of child sexual abuse at a hearing on Feb. 21 in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Maryland.

Visa Changes Have Managers Scrambling

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 01:44:23 EST

A proposed change to the way foreign workers who come to the United States under the J-1 Summer Work Travel visa program must be treated has some pool management companies scrambling to have the rules clarified before summer.

ADG’s ‘Life of Pi’ Special Effects Pool to Become Centerpiece for Industrial Park

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:17:24 EST

The world’s largest special effects wave pool will become the centerpiece of a new industrial park for motion picture production meant to boost Taiwan’s movie industry. Designed and manufactured by Aquatic Development Group, the 246-foot-by-98-foot-by-10-foot-deep wave pool was constructed in Taichung, Taiwan and built specifically for the movie “Life of Pi.” Capable of replicating open-ocean conditions ranging from placid swells to raging storms, the computer-controlled WaveTek system includes 12 pneumatic wave generators producing a total of 2,400 horsepower. In addition to “Life of Pi,” ADG has designed and manufactured wave systems for other motion pictures, including “Master and Commander and The Guardian.” ADG, based in Cohoes, N.Y., is a manufacturer of aquatic equipment for waterparks, commercial pools and mountain attractions whose brands include Wavetek, FlowRider, Whitten, AFW Floors, Texlon, Alpine Mountain Coaster and Alpine Slide.

Inter-Fab Team Pedals for Local Charities

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:17:47 EST

A team of 40 cyclists from Tucson, Ariz.-based manufacturer Inter-Fab Inc. pedaled for local charities in the 30th Annual El Tour de Tucson bicycle race. Rated as one of the top three bicycling fundraisers in the country, the event drew more than 9,000 cyclists worldwide. This is the 12th consecutive year that the Inter-Fab cycling team has participated in the event, raising more than $50,000 for El Tour de Tucson charities over the past several years. The event raises thousands of dollars annually for local and national charitable organizations, while providing ongoing educational efforts for the promotion of safe cycling. Inter-Fab produces handicap lifts, rails, ladders, slides, diving boards and pool accessories.

Deborah Phelps to Keynote 2013 World Aquatic Health Conference

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:18:14 EST

Organizers for the World Aquatic Health Conference have announced that Deborah Phelps will deliver a keynote presentation to mark the 10th anniversary of the event. Phelps, an educator and author of the book, A Mother for All Seasons, is also America’s most well-known “Swim Mom.” She currently is director of Baltimore County Public Schools’ Education Foundation. Her motivational speeches address topics related to education, child development and life lessons. The conference, slated for Oct. 16-18, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis, will once again be hosted by the National Swimming Pool Foundation and the Aquatic Physical Therapy Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. For more information, go to www.nspf.org.

ADA Lawsuits Feared as Deadline Passes

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:20:58 EST

As public pool owners and operators sit at the threshold of the ADA compliance deadline, some anticipate the immediate filing of lawsuits against companies that haven’t retrofitted their facilities.