The 2022 State of Aquatics Address from President Jamal Hill presented by Aquatics Today

Aquatics Today's President, Jamal Hill, has released a statement outlining his plans for the future of the aquatics industry. The president is addressing some of the challenges that are on-coming and making recommendations as to how they will be handled.

From dwindling funding for aquatic organizations and facilities to inconsistent training standards and lack of qualified lifeguards, Mr. Hill lays out his plan to address these issues head-on by making it easier for facility managers, lifeguards, coaches, youth, and parents to connect via social media while working together towards common goals. "The goal is to create an environment where we can all help each other," says Mr. Hill.

He also offers up solutions to bring together a more united aquatic nation where everyone can work collaboratively without fear of being targeted or persecuted. "We all have our own opinions on what needs to happen," says Hill in his opening paragraph, "but it is time we start listening and understanding each other."

In order for aquatics to remain strong, he stressed that there needs to be more unity among all levels of coaching and administrators, as well as an increased focus on training newcomers so they can understand what it means to be part of our new inclusive aquatic culture. "We have much work ahead," said Hill. "But we are not alone."

In preparation for this year's address, Mr. Hill convened with aquatics leaders and fellow presidents, including President Matt Rock of Speedo North America as well as well respected Executive Directors Juliene Hefter and Adam Katchmarchi of the Assoc. of Aquatics Professionals & the National Drown Prevention Alliance, amongst others. 

President Hill made it known that the greatest issue we face as an aquatics community is that of public perception.

"Where swimming is seen as more of recreational activity, than as a public health issue. And as we live in this new context of aquatic service that has been sculpted by the reality of COVID 19, it's imperative now more than ever that we think outside of the box!  That we move forward. Because these challenges have not come to limit us and they will not define us!"

-Excerpt, State of Aquatics Address (2022)

During the address, President Jamal Hill proudly announced the formation of powerful coalitions. These alliances will be instrumental in helping to achieve the administration's goals for the coming year. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance, in partnership with the Association of Aquatic Professionals, will be hosting an inaugural conference that is sure to set a new standard for such events. This conference will focus on preventing drownings and promoting water safety education. President Hill is extremely proud of this new partnership and believes that it will help save lives. The conference will bring together some of the most influential people in both industries and promises to yield great results for all attendees. President Hill looks forward to seeing everyone there!

At Aquatics Today, we're the eyes and ears of leaders in aquatic industries. We see what you need, hear about it from those who have been there before - then provide a way for people in leadership positions to connect with one another so that we can all work towards making this space better than ever. Our mission as the premier media company in the aquatics industry is to keep a pulse on what's happening within this community while also providing resources for you as well!

A Cabinet of Councils

The Cabinet of Councils is a prestigious group of aquatics industry leaders that have been brought together to serve as both an advisory body and an institution to assist the decision-making matrix of Aquatics Today. The council includes an aquatics leadership council, equity council, mental health council, youth council, parents council, lifeguard council, president's council, and international council. Each member has a wealth of knowledge and experience within the field of aquatics and is committed to helping guide the future of the industry.

"The Cabinet of Councils is an important step forward for the aquatics industry," said Aquatics Today President jamal Hill. "We are committed to providing our members with the best possible resources and this is another way we can do that."

The Cabinet of Councils will meet regularly to discuss important topics and issues facing aquatics today. They will provide valuable insight and recommendations that will help shape policy and direction for Aquatics Today. In addition, they will provide guidance on strategic issues facing the aquatics industry and work with Aquatics Today staff to develop solutions. The Equity Council will identify and address disparities in access to and