College of Education and Human Development
Think Summer! New Pool Management Course Now Available
February 20, 2015
The polar vortex has landed, and it’s an unbelievable 7° in Fairfax — record-breaking cold.
But Sports Illustrated has come out with its swimsuit issue and, closer to home, the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism at George Mason University has announced a new swimming pool management course. Think summer!
The new course is called PRLS 290: Aquatic Operation and Management. On a compressed schedule, it provides students with the knowledge and skills required to take on the management of pools and spas, plus certification by the National Swimming Pool Foundation and the American Red Cross upon completion of qualifying exams.
Students can register for the three-credit course on PatriotWeb. It is held on three days over spring break, March 10-12, 2015, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Aquatic and Fitness Center on the Fairfax campus. The course then meets for four online classes in the second half of the semester. A research project is required.
George Mason sororities and fraternities compete in the annual Aquatics Night at the Aquatic and Fitness Center on the Fairfax campus. Aquatics Night is an annual competition during Greek Week. Photo by Craig Bisacre/Creative Services/George Mason University.
“A lifeguard who would like a pay raise or a toehold into a management position would be at an advantage over others if they had aquatic management certification,” said instructor Elizabeth Coberly. “Every pool needs an aquatic manager on site to maintain the facility and manage the staff. It’s a fabulous way to spend your summer.”
With hundreds of children and adults of varying abilities using a swimming pool facility at any one time, safety is of paramount concern. The course covers topics such as: preventing biological and physical hazards; managing a diverse workforce; unique risks within an aquatic facility; and skills and procedures for when emergencies arise.
Like many undergraduate programs from the College of Education and Human Development, the course provides students with a direct connection between course work and the world of work. It is offered through the Recreation Management program, which provides undergraduates with the choice of several majors and minors.
To learn more about the Aquatic Operation and Management course, please make an appointment to speak with an academic advisor or email srht@gmu.edu.
About CEHD
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the most comprehensive education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a full range of courses, certificates, and degree programs on campus, online, and on site to more than 4,000 students each year. CEHD is fully accredited by NCATE, and all licensure programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education. George Mason University, located just outside of Washington, D.C., is Virginia's largest public research university.
For additional information:
- CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
- School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu
- Recreation Management program: rht.gmu.edu/recreation-management
Follow CEHD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MasonCEHD or Twitter at @MasonCEHD.