Like so many industries, aquatics is undergoing a moment of change.
We’re several years removed from the pandemic’s height, but staffing continues to be a challenge. Preventable drowning deaths remain a critical, year-round concern. And funding for new facilities or much-needed upgrades isn’t guaranteed. In short, aquatic leaders are facing some serious headwinds.
To some, difficult times might call for disruption. The world around aquatics is evolving, so aquatics should, too. And that’s certainly a valid perspective, one that’s reflected in the adventure-oriented amenities popping up in facilities across the country.
But the success of the aquatics industry rests on a stable foundation. There’s room to build exciting, new things atop it, but the foundation itself has to hold. Put another way, growth in the industry requires leaders to double down on the basics.
If there’s a uniting theme across this year’s Aquatics issue, it’s that — a back-to-basics approach that reminds leaders what’s most important while also celebrating innovation and excellence.
You’ll find in-depth stories about ways to reduce risk exposure in aquatic facilities and ensure patron safety at every turn. You’ll get a firsthand look at how municipalities are securing and utilizing vital funding. And you’ll discover some of the creative ways that parks and rec departments are making aquatics more inclusive—even for our four-legged friends.
This is an issue jampacked with important information. Some of it may serve as reminders of best practices that industry vets already know well. Other stories might spark ideas for new initiatives or alert leaders to their blind spots. Like every issue of PRB+, feel free to use this issue in whatever way works best for you. But more than anything, collectively, I hope these stories show just how much expertise matters in this field.
It's impossible to make aquatic recreation more inclusive if chlorine levels aren’t balanced. The best lifeguard staff will struggle if their equipment isn’t in good working order. Funds can’t be spent appropriately without knowledgeable leaders who understand where the gaps are.
The aquatic industry of 2025 is vastly different than just a few years ago. But the fundamentals remain. Let this month’s reporting demonstrate that, even in times of turmoil and rapid change, institutional knowledge and experience still matter. The health, safety, and connection of our communities depend on it.
It’s easy to feel left behind or irrelevant in times of great upheaval. However, the education at the heart of aquatics will never go out of style.
