Collaboration Between WRPA Aquatics Network, Washington State DOH, and Washington State Labor & Industries Yields Guidelines for Aquatic Facilities

A message from Mark Feeney, WRPA Aquatics Network Liaison

The Aquatics Network has been working hard these past few months to keep our members up to date on the latest information on reopening aquatics facilities in our state. We have had multiple zoom meetings discussing how to bring operations back safely in light of COVID-19. We have had amazing participation during these online meetings, each having over 50 attendees from around the state. 

Recently a subcommittee of the Aquatics Network has been working with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) to create official guidance for facilities to follow when they are able to open. I am proud to say that our first set of guidance, for lifeguard training, has been officially endorsed by the DOH and we are awaiting approval from L&I. This subcommittee will continue to work with the DOH and L&I to give expert industry input and review for state guidelines. 

We encourage anyone who is involved in the aquatics industry to join our network. In the past year, we have grown to almost 200 industry professionals. Our network regularly runs program surveys, meetings, email blasts, and provides large-scale aquatics training in order to further the excellence of our industry. Current Washington guidance as well as examples of national and international recovery and operation plans can be found on our WRPA Aquatics Network webpage.