Deep End Advocacy: Getting buy-in from Non-Aquatic Leaders

Deep End Advocacy: Getting buy-in from Non-Aquatic Leaders

In this episode of the Association of Aquatic Professionals Podcast, host Daniel Peters and co-host Kirsten Barnes sit down with Cory Hilderbrand, AOAP Board Member, Past President, and Deputy Director for the City of Irvine, to explore one of the most important skills in aquatics: gaining support from leaders outside the field. With more than 20 years of experience spanning lifeguarding, municipal operations, and executive leadership, Cory shares how aquatic professionals can communicate with supervisors, city officials, and departments like finance and HR who may not fully understand the complexities of aquatics. Together, they discuss practical strategies for building trust, translating risk and operational needs, and advocating for staff, safety, and resources. Cory also reflects on his leadership journey, lessons learned from guiding AOAP through pivotal years, and how mentorship and collaboration help build stronger programs. Whether you’re managing a small pool or leading a large aquatic system, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you elevate your voice, strengthen your program, and lead with impact both on and off the pool deck. RESOURCES * Association of Aquatic Professionals: aquaticpros.org [http://aquaticpros.org] * AOAP Mentorship Program: AOAP Mentorship Program [https://aquaticpros.org/aoap-mentor-mentee-program/] * AOAP Director’s School / Leadership Training: A Vision for Aquatic Leadership Training Through AOAP [https://aquaticpros.org/aquatic-leadership-excellence/]

Deep End Resilience: Preparing Your Team Before a Crisis

In this episode of Discussions from the Deep End, host Daniel Peters and co-host Kirsten Barnes talk with Tyler Anderson about resilience, critical incident response, and supporting aquatic teams before a crisis happens. Tyler shares a practical perspective on how aquatic professionals can strengthen staff wellbeing, build peer support, and create healthier team culture. This conversation highlights the connection between everyday resilience and emergency preparedness, with ideas that are useful for leaders, supervisors, and frontline staff alike. Whether you’re focused on staff training, mental wellness, or response planning, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how to better support your team. Learn more about Tyler and the resources discussed: * International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance (ILCIRA): https://www.linkedin.com/company/ilcira [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ilcira] * AOAP and ILCIRA strategic alliance article: https://aquaticpros.org/aoap-and-ilcira-announce-strategic-alliance-to-advance-lifeguard-mental-health-and-critical-incident-sup [https://aquaticpros.org/aoap-and-ilcira-announce-strategic-alliance-to-advance-lifeguard-mental-health-and-critical-incident-sup]... [https://aquaticpros.org/aoap-and-ilcira-announce-strategic-alliance-to-advance-lifeguard-mental-health-and-critical-incident-sup...] * Resilience First Aid workshops: https://home.hellodriven.com/resilience-training/programs/resilience-first-aid/workshops/ [https://home.hellodriven.com/resilience-training/programs/resilience-first-aid/workshops/] * Coast Safety Solutions bio: https://www.coastsafetysolutions.com/about-5 [https://www.coastsafetysolutions.com/about-5] Learn more about AOAP, training opportunities, conference resources, and drowning-prevention support at https://aquaticpros.org [https://aquaticpros.org].

Deep End Data: Making Research Work in the Real World

In this episode of Discussions from the Deep End, host Daniel Peters and co-host Kirsten Barnes welcome Nathalie Martin for a wide-ranging conversation about drowning prevention, leadership, and the power of communication to improve aquatic safety. Nathalie shares insights from her work across more than 20 countries, offering a global perspective on the challenges aquatic professionals face and the strategies that can help turn research and advocacy into real-world impact. From legislative advocacy and nonprofit leadership to international collaboration and community-based prevention efforts, Nathalie’s experience highlights how effective communication and cross-sector partnerships can strengthen aquatic operations at every level. Whether you work in a municipal pool, waterpark, YMCA, university, or another aquatic setting, this conversation offers practical takeaways on how to apply ideas, build stronger teams, and make safer decisions in your facility. Learn more about Nathalie and her work: * Swim Global Project: https://swimglobalproject.com [https://swimglobalproject.com] * AOAP article: Understanding Strong Aquatic Research and How It Applies: https://aquaticpros.org/understanding-aquatic-research/ [https://aquaticpros.org/understanding-aquatic-research/] * AOAP article: The Ethics of Research: A Wake-Up Call for Academia and Drowning Prevention: https://aquaticpros.org/the-ethics-of-research-a-wake-up-call-for-academia-and-drowning-prevention/ [https://aquaticpros.org/the-ethics-of-research-a-wake-up-call-for-academia-and-drowning-prevention/] * IDRA member profile: https://idra.world/members1/nathalie-martin-m-a-canada-usa/ [https://idra.world/members1/nathalie-martin-m-a-canada-usa/] * Swim Global Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swimglobalproject/ [https://www.instagram.com/swimglobalproject/] Learn more about AOAP, training opportunities, conference resources, and drowning-prevention support at https://aquaticpros.org [https://aquaticpros.org]

Welcome to the Deep End

AOAP launches Discussions from the Deep End, a podcast built for aquatic professionals who want real conversations, practical ideas, and stronger, safer programs. In this kickoff episode, host Daniel Peters is joined by AOAP leadership—Assistant Director Kirsten Barnes & Current AOAP President Joey LaNeve—to introduce the “why” behind the podcast and what listeners can expect moving forward. From risk management and staffing to leadership and community impact, this series is designed to bring conference-level insights to your everyday work. You’ll hear how AOAP plans to extend the energy of the 2026 conference throughout the year, key takeaways that are shaping the future of aquatics, and a preview of what’s ahead for 2027 in Reno. Whether you’re on deck, in the office, or on the go, each episode aims to give you one practical takeaway and one big-picture idea to help you lead with confidence.