Competitor AOAP Aquatic Professional of the Month

Competitor Aquatics Professional of the Month is a recurring AOAP feature shedding light on an Aquatics Professional who has risen above the competition. As with any item of recognition, Competitor Aquatics Professional of the Month is a subjective exercise meant to highlight one aquatic professional whose work holds noteworthy context – perhaps a manager who was clearly in the limelight, or one whose work fell through the cracks a bit more among other stories. If your favorite aquatics director wasn’t selected, feel free to submit their name and information below for future consideration (they must be a member of AOAP to be considered).

September 2023 Competitor Aquatic Professional of the Month

Cindy Aldridge, Retired Aquatic Professional

With 40 years of working in and leading Aquatics,  Cindy has served in many roles, built countless programs, and certified thousands of lifeguards, Aquatic Instructors. The depth and breadth of her experience has allowed Cindy to build a comprehensive perspective of the many pieces the aquatic industry that must come together for success. Cindy coordinates in-service safety trainings and ARC updates for the seven other Kenai Peninsula School District pools.

Not only has Cindy worked in Aquatics for 40 years, but within the same school district KPBSD. Cindy started as a lifeguard while in college.  Cindy completed her business management degree, then applied those skills as she was continually promoted. Finally, in 2010 KPBSD created a. new executive position specifically recognizing her broad expertise,  as the Supervisor of all aquatic programs and facilities for the district serving more than 8,000 students and their communities of 60,000.  

While business acumen is a strength , it is her ability. to form partnerships that has brought the greatest amounts of growth and respect to KPBSD aquatics. Cindy holds the highest level of Red Cross instructor Training (IT) in lifeguarding, WSI, CPR, First Aid. She has continually trained, updated, and modeled the American red Cross skills and reptation on the Peninsula. Cindy serves as the Alaska state liaison to the American Red Cross Health & safety Services. Cindy developed aquatic curricula that allowed K-12 students to earn physical education credit in aquatic classes. Cindy coordinates in-service safety trainings and ARC updates from Anchorage to the islands. As the district grew Cindy shepherded partnerships with Special Education and Therapeutic agencies, local emergency services, to improve access and community integration for all, while increasing community buy in. Cindy serves as Technical Advisor to Kenai Borough Risk Management,  expert resource for Alaska Department of Environmental conservation.

Cindy gives back to the larger aquatic community as well. Having volunteered in several capacities, presented and was the Aquatic Chair for over 10 years of the Alaska Recreation and Park Association national Conference annually, contributed to and completed curricula National Recreation and park Association conferences and the Association of Aquatic Professionals, consulted on growing markets. 

 

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