Floaties Won’t Fix Poor Leadership
Strong aquatics leadership requires more than a whistle, a smile, and a pair of floaties to keep things afloat. When team culture struggles, programs suffer, and guest experience dips below the surface, it takes intentional leadership, not a quick fix, to get back on course. This session explores the essential skills aquatics leaders need to move beyond “band-aid” solutions and build teams that are confident, engaged, and ready to dive into challenges.
- Implement leadership strategies that strengthen communication, accountability, and trust within aquatics teams.
- Examine the limitations of quick-fix approaches in aquatics leadership and their long-term impact on staff and operations.
- Design actionable steps to build resilient staff who can confidently handle challenges and contribute to a positive organizational culture.
Includes: .1 CEUs
Additional Course Information:
Speaker:
Devon Poulos, Aquatics Manager, North Port Parks and Recreation
About Devon: Devon Poulos has over a decade of experience in the recreation field, having worked with local YMCA organizations and county-level government agencies. Since joining the City of North Port in November 2018, he has held several key roles, including Recreation Program Coordinator, Head Lifeguard, Assistant Aquatics Supervisor, and Aquatics Manager.
Devon has earned multiple professional certifications, including the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) in 2019, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) in 2022, and Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) in 2023. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
Devon completed The Emerging Leaders Institute in 2021 and graduated from the Abrahams Jones Academy for Leadership Excellence in 2023. He played a vital role in helping the City of North Port achieve its initial CAPRA accreditation in 2019 and contributed to the successful reaccreditation in 2024.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the KRPA office at 785-235-6533 or jamie@krpa.org.
KRPA Event Policy:
No Refunds: Please note that all registrations are non-refundable. We regret that we cannot offer refunds for any cancellations.
Substitutions: We do allow substitutions. If you are unable to attend the event, you may transfer your registration to another person. Please notify us of any substitutions at least 48 hours prior to the event.
Registration Fees: All registration fees must be paid in full within 30 days of registration. Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in the cancellation of your registration.
Commercial Vendor Workshop Attendance
The Kansas Recreation and Parks Association (KRPA) values the contributions and engagement of our commercial partners. To maintain a professional environment that supports both educational and networking opportunities for our members and sponsors, KRPA has established the following policy regarding commercial vendors attending workshops and events:
Policy Overview: Commercial vendors may not register or participate as general workshop attendees unless they are sponsoring the specific event in question. This policy ensures that the presence of commercial entities at KRPA events is aligned with their purpose of networking and building relationships within a professional context, while respecting the intent of these events as learning opportunities for non-commercial attendees.
Commercial Vendor Definition: According to the KRPA bylaws Commercial Vendor is defined as: Individuals, organizations, companies, or business firms selling products or services to recreation, park, conservation, and leisure service agencies.
Exclusions: Commercial vendors may register and participate in these certification programs as general attendees. These courses are designed to provide specialized training and a certification from the National Recreation and Park Association. We understand the need of vendors may have to receive these certifications.
