August 8, 2025: It's been a week!
Good Evening,
I wish I could say I had some words of wisdom for you this week, but it's just been... a week. I'm going to jump straight into aquatic industry news (below) and plan to be back with a clearer head next week (or this week, if you're reading this when you get back to the office on Monday!)
Here are the stories people are (or should be) watching this week:
Passenger injured on water slide aboard world’s largest cruise ship
It hasn't been a happy few weeks for lifeguards with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL). Last week I mentioned the customer who fell over the edge of the infinity pool, this week there was a fight at Coco Cay and today there are reports of a suspended slide cracking mid-ride. Note: water slides are NOT made of glass!
Prince George’s Co. swim instructor charged with sexually assaulting children during lessons
CONTENT WARNING - graphic language.
Madison opens accessible splash pad, honors late disability rights advocate
This is one of two parks commemorating the actor who played Mr. Rogers in the classic children's TV show, Mr. Roger's Neighbourhood.
City questions cost to keep Nome Swimming Pool open
"The pool is one of just two indoor facilities in western Alaska, with the other hundreds of miles away in Bethel."
Toddler drowns in pool at daycare center in the Bronx
One article alleges the caretaker was busy cooking. I did a video last year about two other recent day care drownings. One of those families has just filed a lawsuit in that incident: Grieving families file civil lawsuit after San Jose day care drownings
Kingsport Aquatic Center extending annual ‘Drool Party’ to five days
I truly do not understand communities who do these types of events. The cost of clean-up is substantial, and not all dogs know how to swim!
This is the concept of Coquitlam's $148-million new aquatic and recreational centre
See rubber ducks race down the lazy river for the Duck Derby at Furman Aquatic Center
Very cute charity idea that could be done at any aquatic facility with a lazy river. I grew up in Ottawa where we had the CHEO Duck Race on the Rideau Canal every year.
Algae growth forces closure of Kalispell Water Park's lazy river, waterslide
Inflatable waterpark on pause due to poor water quality in Brampton lake
13-year-old drowns after washing into drainage pipe during strong storm in Maryland
French resort town cracks down on ‘half-naked’ visitors
This is relevant to us because it's specifically regarding people being topless or wearing a swimsuit away from the beach, i.e. not actively engaged in swimming.
Family sues after man, 21, drowns at the Jersey Shore with lifeguards on duty
I hate resharing these lawsuits, but they are the modern reality of our industry.
Swimmer struck by a boat in Sudbury, Ont., dies in hospital
I'm not suggesting this was the swimmer's fault, but I wish we had more details such as whether or not they were towing a swim buoy. I took this video in Oslo earlier this year when I was horrified to spot an open water swimmer right in the middle of the harbour, surrounded by large vessels.
No answers after teen drowns at Florida theme park
Staff plead not guilty after child drowns on Pittsfield Public School’s field trip
How the iconic North Sydney Olympic Pool put local council in deep financial debt
Korea to hand out 2.1 mil. cultural vouchers Friday
Not aquatics specifically, but I think this is a great way to get people through the doors to our aquatic facilities and try it out for the first time. The cost is negligeable if you don't assign the day pass a cash value and set specific time limits on redemption so it's not a liability on your facility's balance sheet.
San Antonio pools reflect a history of exclusion and change
Are you using the National Equity Atlas or any similar tools to direct your parks & recreation or aquatic policies?
Roseland Waterpark opens new 18-hole mini golf course
Unique way to diversify revenue and spread out users. 9 of the holes are also accessible.
Beer bottle tossed in pool forces YMCA water park closure
Do you have a checklist for dealing with broken glass at your facility? If not, plan to make one for next summer. At the same time, why not also mock up a spreadsheet regarding operating costs & lost revenue to justify the impact to management or the community? It's - quite literally - a big drain on your resources.
Search for missing girl ends in heartbreak as body is recovered
I recently enjoyed this short webinar by the Redwoods Group. It is focused on summer camps, but I think there's really good takeaways for aquatics. My only caveat to this recommendation is an inaccurate statement regarding a legal settlement that actually took place over 10 years ago, not in 2025. This had me questioning the validity (accuracy) of this session, but I think it's still worth sharing.
See you again sooner rather than later.
Katie Crysdale
Lakeview Aquatic Consultants Ltd.