Aquatics Summit

Description

MRPA Aquatics Summit

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Location: Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatics Center (1319 Apple Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910)

Parking Info: Garage Parking is $1/hr. (Click here for more info on directions and parking)

Time: 9 AM-9:30 AM (Check-In), 9:30 AM-4:30 PM (Program)

CEUs Pending!

Cost

Day One (General Program):

• $75 (Member Rate)
• $85 (Non-Member Rate)
• $35 (Student Rate)

Group Rate Discount: An agency group discount will automatically be applied during registration for groups of five or more. (2% Discount)

Important Notice!! Group registration discounts are applied at the time of registration. Discounts are not retroactive—individual registrations cannot be added to a group once registration is completed, and additional participants cannot be added to an existing group registration once it has been processed.  The price above is for Day One only!  More information about Day Two will be posted soon.

MRPA will verify all student registrations.

Additional Registration Information

• Your registration includes access to all sessions, lunch, vendor area and giveaways.
• You must log into your MRPA online account to receive any MRPA member discounts.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): CEUs Pending

*Session Titles subject to change

Summit Overview 

Building Stronger Aquatics Through Leadership, Inclusion & Innovation 

Join us for the 2nd Annual MRPA Aquatics Summit, featuring two dynamic educational tracks designed to support aquatics professionals at every level.

Attendees can explore sessions focused on adapted aquatics programming, inclusive staff training, boating safety, and swim lesson instruction, including a hands-on in-pool session on teaching swim lessons. The summit will also feature a general aquatics track covering topics such as facility planning and design, in-service training, staffing and retention, and professional growth through sessions like From Lifeguard to Leader: Career Pathways in Aquatics.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen operations, enhance programming, or build a more inclusive aquatic environment, this summit offers valuable tools, resources, and networking opportunities for aquatics professionals across Maryland.

Summit Education CEUs Pending!

Keynote-"Inequities in the Aquatics/Swim World" (Speaker: Dr. Quash)

There are two tracks to choose from. You can attend any session within any of the four tracks.

1. Track 1: General Aquatics: Building facilities, Careers, and staffing
   1. Trends in Aquatic Design
   2. Fitness Programming
   3. Coming Soon
   4. Coming Soon
2. Track 2: Adapted Aquatics Programming, Swim Lessons, Boating, and Training Your Staff to be Inclusive.
   1. Outdoors for All: Adaptive KayakingThe session includes a demo on adaptive kayak instruction, showcasing equipment modifications, teaching strategies and safety protocols that make kayaking more accessible. Attendees will leave with practical tools, partnership ideas, and implementation strategies to start their own adaptive kayaking initiatives.
   2. Dive into Inclusion: Reimagining Aquatics Training and In-ServicesAre your aquatics staff prepared to assist anyone who walks through the door?  This session provides practical guidance for adapting aquatics staff in-services and training to better prepare teams to work confidently and competently with people with disabilities. Attendees will explore strategies for building disability awareness, improving physical and programmatic accessibility, and creating a culture of inclusion.
   3. Adaptive Aquatics: Program Planning Readiness for Youth LessonsFinding qualified providers for inclusive and adaptive aquatics lessons is limited due to training gaps, funding/cost, and availability.  Attendees will learn how to overcome common barriers to get all children in the water, including universal design approaches, helpful equipment, recommended class structure, and important safety tips.  The session will review case studies to highlight these approaches.
   4. Adaptive Aquatics: Teaching and Skills Readiness for Youth Lessons (In Water Training)This hands-on and interactive in-the-water session will help attendees practice new skills to assist any child with a disability to learn to swim!  Attendees will practice communication support strategies, demonstrate proper body positioning/support holds for swimmer skills, and apply behavior support strategies—including redirection, cues, and working breaks—to meet swimmers’ sensory needs.  Bring a swimsuit and towel, this session will take place at poolside and IN the water!

The summit will conclude with an interactive set of round table discussions on current trends and topics impacting the Aquatics community.

Exhibitors and Sponsors: Click here for more information or register above.

For questions, please contact the co-chair for the Aquatics Summit or contact the MRPA office

Mark Bonitatibus, CPRP

Phone: 240-777-6861

Email: Mark.Bonitatibus@montgomerycountymd.gov

MRPA

Phone: 301-352-7203

Email: info@mdrpa.org