January 30, 2008
Georgia Ad Hoc Group Forms in Response to Drought Restrictions
The ongoing drought is creating anxiety in Georgia and neighboring states. The Georgia General Assembly has ratified a statewide water conservation plan, but it will take more than a year to get the planning districts up and running and is estimated at $36 million. The outdoor watering ban, in place since September 28, affects 61 north Georgia counties and all of the metropolitan Atlanta area. This ban prohibits the filling of swimming pools, along with outdoor watering and car washing. MORE.
Survival Swim Classes Teach Toddlers to Flip, Float, and Survive
Swim clubs around the country are offering “survival” swim classes for toddlers and their parents. Designed to forestall drowning, a leading cause of accidental death among children aged 1-4 years, they aim to teach the very young to survive falling into a pool, spa or other body of water.
In Texas, the Houston Swim Club teaches toddlers to “flip and float.” In Florida, Arizona, the Midwest and elsewhere, Infant Swimming Resource (ISR)-certified teachers train toddlers to alternate floating with dog paddling until they reach a handhold. MORE.
Upcoming Trade Shows
February and March are busy trade show months. Make plans to attend one or all of the following exciting trade shows and conferences:
National Plasterers Council (NPC) National Conference
The 2008 International Builders’ Show & nextBUILD™
Florida Pool & Spa Show
Southwest Pool & Spa Show
Feb. 15 Deadline to Submit Expo Course Proposals
Don’t forget that your course proposal for this year’s Expo must be sent to Hanley Wood by Feb. 15. This year’s combined mega show—the new International Pool/Spa/Patio (PSP) Expo—will be held November 18-20, 2008, in Las Vegas.
Click here for Call for Presentations Form.
Click here for Call for Presentations Information. MORE.
WSU Receives Grant to Create National Aquatics Institute
Thanks to a $1 million grant from the National Swimming Pool Foundation®, Washington State University researchers plan to create the National Aquatics and Sports Medicine Institute (NASMI). "This will be the world's premier center for aquatic health research," says institute director Dr. Bruce Becker, M.D., a physician and research professor in WSU's College of Education. Click here to view the press release. MORE.
Sign Up Now for Educational Classes, Exams, and Correspondence Courses
If you or your employees need training or certification, review the APSP Education Calendar now to make your educational plans. For service technicians, APSP offers TECH I and TECH II classes, the TECH I Correspondence Course for those who prefer a mail-in study program, the Service Proficiency Exam for those who would like to “skip” TECH I, and the CSP Certified Service Professional® Exam. For pool and spa builders, we offer the Building Professional I class, the Building Professional I Correspondence Course, the CBP Certified Building Professional® Exam, and an Advanced Builder Program. For more details, contact Bird Dawson.
Marketing Made Easy: APSP Essential Elements
APSP Essential Elements is the source for the most effective sales marketing initiatives for APSP members. As a member you will receive the tools you need to develop full-scale, professional marketing campaigns at a reduced cost, without reduced quality. MORE.
Beijing's Bubble-wrapped “Water Cube” Unveiled
On Monday, January 28, China officially unveiled its bubble-wrapped National Aquatics Centre, nicknamed the "Water Cube," one of the two iconic venues for this year's Beijing Olympics. The imposing rectangular box, clad in a honeycomb of transparent plastic cushions, will host the swimming and diving events for the August 8-24 Olympics. MORE.
You can contribute to IC. Click here to find out how, or send an email to ic@APSP.org. You may also fax 703.549.0493.