AOAP's Discussions from the Deep End

After more than 20 years in aquatics, why would someone say they just had one of the best summers of their career? In this episode of AOAP's Discussions from the Deep End, Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes sit down with John Roche, Assistant Director of Recreation, Parks, and Community Services for East Brunswick Township and Aquatics Director at Crystal Springs Family Waterpark, to talk about the...

What does it take to launch a brand-new waterpark and turn marketing hype into a guest experience that keeps families coming back? In this episode of AOAP's Discussions from the Deep End, hosts Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes sit down with the team behind Bavarian Blast Waterpark in Frankenmuth, Michigan, winner of the 2025 Best of Aquatics Marketing Award. Joined by Emily Kurzer, Jenna Bentley,...

In this special episode, Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes sit down for an important conversation about a major shift in the aquatics industry: CMAHC is officially joining AOAP as a subsidiary organization. After months of discussion, both teams are ready to share the “why,” the “how,” and what this transition means for the future of aquatic operations, public health, and the Model Aquatic Health C...

In this episode of AOAP’s Discussions from the Deep End, hosts Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes sit down with Angela Wild, MA, MPH — a leading translational specialist in drowning prevention and water competence. Angela brings 25 years of applied aquatic experience and advanced training in Motor Learning & Control and Public Health to the conversation, offering a fresh, evidence‑driven look at...

In this episode of AOAP’s Discussions from the Deep End , Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes sit down with Jim and Amanda Wheeler for a conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the evolving world of aquatics. Jim brings decades of experience across waterfronts, pools, water parks, and national training programs, while Amanda offers a modern, on‑the‑deck perspective shaped by growing up in the...

In this episode of AOAP’s Discussions from the Deep End , hosts Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes sit down with Christopher Dreybus and Trey Standridge of AMS Pools , one of the largest lifeguard and aquatics service providers in Metro‑Atlanta. Chris and Trey bring a combined 30+ years of experience overseeing lifeguard operations, training, risk management, and company culture across more than 100...

This episode of AOAP’s Discussions from the Deep End dives into what it really takes to support swimmers with unique learning needs — and how instructors can build trust, confidence, and meaningful progress in the water. Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes sit down with Christy Baca , AOAP’s 2026 Featured Power Speaker, aquatics educator, and Texas A&M graduate whose background in special educati...

In this episode of AOAP’s Discussions from the Deep End , hosts Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes sit down with Sarah Cheshire to talk about the public health side of aquatics and the work that helps keep swimming facilities safe, healthy, and well managed. Sarah shares her path into environmental health, what she has learned through pool inspections and rule development, and why the Model Aquatic...

In this episode of AOAP’s Discussions from the Deep End , hosts Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes welcome Kate Connell, AOAP’s Diversity Liaison, for a thoughtful conversation about DEIJ in aquatics and how inclusion shows up in everyday operations. Kate shares practical insight into what DEIJ means beyond the buzzwords, how aquatic leaders can move from awareness to action, and why inclusion matte...

In this episode of  AOAP’s Discussions from the Deep End , host Daniel Peters and co‑host Kirsten Barnes sit down with  Justin Grosse  and  Sarah Davenport  from  Carson Valley Swim Center.  Together, they explore how one aquatic facility has grown into a true community hub—blending recreation, safety, education, workforce development, and signature events that keep families coming back. Justin an...

In this episode of  AOAP’s Discussions from the Deep End , hosts Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes sit down with two longtime leaders in the aquatics industry—Mark Basnight and Bob Kappel—to talk about careers, connections, and the future of aquatic operations. With decades of combined experience across municipal aquatics, water treatment, product development, and industry leadership, Mark and Bob...

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, municipa...

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 highli...

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...

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....