Making a Splash at AOAP Conference 2026
Ailene and Cindy took Colorado Springs by storm during the 2026 International Aquatics & Water Safety Conference presented by Association of Aquatic Professionals and National Drowning Prevention Association.
Among the highlights were a fully sold out in-water workshop exclusively for Swim Whisperers® Certified instructors, an inspirational meet and greet, delivering impactful presentations to large audiences, participating in an important panel discussion on water safety resources and to top it off meeting passionate and dedicated aquatic professionals who stopped by our booth in the exhibit hall!
Kicking off the Conference with a Splash!
First up, to kick off the conference, Swim Angelfish co-founders Ailene and Cindy, held a fully sold-out in-water workshop for swim instructors certified in the Adaptive Swim Whisperers® program.
Instructors that had completed a mix of levels (level 1 through level 4) had an opportunity to connect with each other, bringing together passionate swim teachers from across the US from 11 different States!
Instructors that had completed a mix of levels (level 1 through level 4) had an opportunity to connect with each other, bringing together passionate swim teachers from across the US from 11 different States!
Some were attending their third in-person training and got new handling techniques, pacing ideas, and lesson progressions to bring back to their swimmers. For others, it was their first experience at one of our in-person, in-water workshops and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive!
What made this workshop even more special was the surprise attendance of Caitlin Raup, from Only Alpha Pool Products and founder of The Down Syndrome Advocacy Program.
Caitlin flew in just for the workshop with her mom, Kay Epple, and got to see firsthand the “Swim Whisperers® Difference” as instructors put the specialized techniques from our multi-level training into practice. She also had the chance to meet some of the instructors she’s sponsored through her scholarship program, hear their stories, and witness the difference they’re making for swimmers with special needs. We also wanted to say a huge thank you for the generous gift of beautifully branded towels.
Caitlin is not only the founder of this program but also a mom of four children, including her son Holden, who has Down Syndrome.
Hearing her share the parent perspective reminded our instructors why this specialized training is so important for families like hers—and how it can truly make a difference in water safety. So inspiring!
Pooling Knowledge for Water Safety and Inclusion
We also had the pleasure of giving two presentations during the conference. Our first focused on Autism and Diverse Programming Options for All Abilities and Ages, and the second explored Community Partnerships for Water Safety for Swimmers with Autism and Special Needs.
It was such a rewarding experience to advocate for this special group of swimmers, sharing their unique needs and challenges, and highlighting the importance of creating more inclusive programs that welcome all abilities. We also emphasized the need for targeted water safety initiatives—programs designed specifically to keep swimmers with autism and other special needs safe while building their confidence and independence in the water.
A real highlight was our invitation to join a panel discussion on drowning prevention resources alongside our partners Sue and Mick Nelson (Total Aquatic Programming), Alyssa Magrum (NDPA), Bobby Hazen (Stop Drowning Now), and Jill White (SAI).
Collaborating with these experts and sharing ideas with all of these experts was amazing – and reminded us just how much impact we can make when we work together!
Exhibit Hall Highlights & Happenings
At the exhibit hall, our table became a hub for connecting with programs that will benefit from our online resources and professional training. It was such a joy to catch up with old friends like Nate from SwimNerd and Andy from SwimConsultant, while also meeting many new friends who share our passion for promoting water safety.
A special highlight was seeing Dan Cynamon from Aqua Mentors showcase our newly co-branded products—floating puzzle pieces and kickboards featuring our visual schedule. Our co-branded Stop Sign was a huge hit! So many aquatic professionals are taking them back to their programs to use alongside our Adaptive Water Safety Toolkit to guide swimmers through the simple routine: “Stop! Do a meaningful movement-based ritual and routine! Then ask permission before going in the water.”
Moments like these remind us why we do this work. We are more committed than ever to improving water safety and reducing drowning, especially for children with autism, and to making adaptive aquatics accessible, effective, and fun for every swimmer.
It’s a wrap!
Thank you AOAP and NDPA for an incredible conference filled with networking and professional development opportunities! We can’t wait to come back again next year!
