World Aquatic Health Conference Tralee, Ireland, March 11-13, 2005 Protecting People and Encouraging Better Health through Aquatics

The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) today announced a three-day World Aquatic Health Conference, scheduled for March 11-13, 2005, at the Institute of Technology (IT), Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. Symposia will focus on the needs of aquatic program managers, environmental health officials, pool and spa operators, researchers and educators.

Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Tralee, Ireland (PRWEB) September 27, 2004 -- The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) today announced a three-day World Aquatic Health Conference, scheduled for March 11-13, 2005, at the Institute of Technology (IT), Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. IT-Tralee is well-respected for its strong aquatics education program, and it shares a parallel vision with the goals of the World Aquatic Health Conference.

Global leaders in the recreational water industry will gather at the conference to discuss minimizing the risk of illnesses such as rashes, asthma, vomiting or cancer-causing agents due to poor pool and spa water quality. To help reduce epidemic levels of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other diseases, the conference seminars illustrate the benefits of aquatic exercise and how to create programs that attract people to aquatic activities.

The conference symposia will focus on the needs of aquatic program managers, environmental health officials, pool and spa operators, researchers and educators. Exhibitors will present new technologies and services for swimming pools and spas.

Preventing poor water quality, providing rich aquatic programs and promoting health benefits have progressed on opposite sides of the Atlantic. We plan to bring together experts from around the world to learn from each other," says Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the NSPF®.

Our institute is committed to supporting research and development in the important areas of aquatic health and health promotion, and we welcome the opportunity of hosting delegates from around the world," comments Michael Carmody, director of IT-Tralee.

There are many isolated islands of excellence, many diverse approaches to protecting people and many excellent programs to promote health. It is fitting that our Irish island will be the location to intermingle and advance excellence in aquatics. We will be extending a Céad Míle Fáilte (one hundred thousand welcomes) to all delegates of our conference," says conference organizer Seán Connell, Aquatics Lecturer in the Department of Health and Leisure Studies within the School of Science.

The Head of School, Séamus OShea, adds, We are honored to host the World Aquatic Health Conference since illuminating best practices reflects our mission as an advanced educational institute. We encourage visitors to attend the conference and stay with us to celebrate the week-long St. Patricks celebrations in Ireland."

General Conference Information

On Friday evening, March 11, the conference opens with a reception that will include an award ceremony and snacks. On Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13, the symposia will include speakers from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., and feature research poster sessions, exhibitor tabletops and snacks. Saturday evening will feature a banquet dinner and Irish dancing entertainment, starting at 8:00 p.m.

Conference attendees should register by contacting NSPF® at 1-719-540-9119 or by downloading registration forms and conference location information at www.nspf.org. Registrations should be mailed to NSPF®, or faxed to 1-719-540-2787. Early registration is €275/US$337 per attendee for registrations received prior to December 15. Regular registration is €350/US$429 (between December 15 and February 1). Late registration is €395/US$485 (after February 1). One-day passes are also available. Information regarding exhibitor display spaces may be obtained by contacting NSPF®. European participants may fax the registration directly to IT-Tralee, Ireland, at 087-52456 or contact Séan Connell at 087-2456-517 by telephone.

Extra activities and outings are planned for attendees who wish to extend their stay in Ireland, and celebrate St. Patricks Day. Events include a golf outing and a Ring of Kerry County tour on Monday, March 14.

About NSPF®

The National Swimming Pool Foundation® is a non-profit international organization dedicated to improving public health by creating a safer aquatic environment through education and research and attracting more people to aquatic exercise. The Foundation also helps to protect people by providing the Certified Pool and Spa Operator® (CPO®) program, which is the worlds leading education program for pool and spa operators and health officials, certifying over 150,000. Proceeds from educational programs are reinvested in research grants, graduate research fellowships and educational programs. NSPF® organized the first Aquatic Health Conference in October, 2004, in Atlanta, Georgia, with a focus on protecting people and encouraging better health through aquatics. Based on exceptional response, this program has been expanded to reach a broader world audience.

About IT-Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland

IT Tralee is a university-level institution with a range of programs from certificate to post-graduate level. ITT has over 3,500 full-time and part-time students and a staff of 250. Established in 1977, the Institute has operated autonomously since 1993. It provides education and training and facilitates industrial research and consultancy. ITT is also a major engine of economic and social development in the region, which encompasses County Kerry and parts of counties Cork, Clare and Limerick. The School of Science offers a broad curriculum of health and leisure studies including courses in aquatics:

National Certificate in Health and Leisure Studies - Two-year program

National Diploma in Health and Leisure - One additional year

Bachelor of Science - Two additional years

Post-graduate studies leading to masters and Ph.D. qualifications

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