Aquatics Guide - 2019 - 8

AFO keeps me in touch with the
current challenges and issues of operators from around the region and
the country, " he says. " The AFO
course is dynamic, with regular
updates of the manual, course and
exam as the technology and knowledge base changes. Bringing the latest information and solutions to real-world challenges makes teaching
AFO enjoyable as an instructor and
valuable to the participants. " Bradley also sees it as an opportunity to
build aquatic operator networks between course participants.
Becoming AFO Certified
There are a few steps needed to
6

Parks & Recreation

become AFO certified. First, there
must be a desire to further one's
education and to become more
knowledgeable in the field of
aquatics. The first chapter of the
seventh edition of the AFO manual lists the qualifications and attributes required to perform AFO
duties and is a good example of
the skill set needed to operate an
aquatic facility:
* Comprehension of all basic design, mechanical and operational
concepts involved in the functioning of an institutional/commercial swimming pool
* Familiarity with all systems,
equipment and peripherals that

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are required to contain, circulate,
filter, heat and treat swimming
pool water
* The ability to perform preventive
maintenance and basic repair on
such equipment
* The ability to describe and direct
work required for major maintenance or replacement
* A functional understanding of
swimming pool water chemistry
as it pertains to disinfection, water
clarity, physical preservation of
the facility, pool shell and assurance of bather comfort and health
* Proficiency in all related concepts for the assurance of patron
and employee health and safety,
including mechanical equipment
operation, chemical handling,
lifeguarding principles and emergency protocols
* Organizational and managerial
skills, to the extent the job requires,
and certifications, as required, in
skills such as lifeguarding, cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use
* Solid computer literacy and the
ability to program pool chemical
controllers; download, parse and
store data; and generate preventive maintenance schedules
As an AFO, you truly become a
Jack or Jill of all trades. The field of
aquatics is a very rewarding career
that gives a person a sense of belonging to an elite group of individuals.
Those involved truly care about their
profession and the guests who visit
the aquatic venue.
To find an AFO course near you,
visit www.nrpa.org/certification/
AFO/become-an-afo/.
Brad Anderson is the Senior Facility
Supervisor - Aquatics for the Englewood,
Colorado, Department of Parks, Recreation
and Library (banderson@englewoodco.gov).
http://www.nrpa.org/certification/ http://www.TION.ORG
Aquatics Guide - 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aquatics Guide - 2019
