1. Attracting, Training, Retaining and Growing a Diverse Aquatic Team
Dive Into Diversity
Attracting, Training, Retaining and Growing a Diverse Aquatic Team

2. Multiple Connections Icebreaker
Caboodle Cards in center of your table.
Focus on the NAME that appears on the left of the card.
Find connections/commonalities you have with others at your table.
Keep in mind: often the obvious idea prevents us from thinking creatively

3. Welcome to the FRESH COAST – Milwaukee, WI
Not so impressive superlatives
#1 in nation for racial segregation
Ranked #1 by Huffington Post as “Worst City for Black Americans”
Benefits of Diversity
Role models to community members
Staff experience personal and professional growth
Customer Service improvements

4. Attracting Potential Team Members
Programming that reaches all regions of your community.
Campaign to KEEP kids in swim lessons: “5 to stay Alive”
Level One swim does very well and declines each level after
Promote swim lesson kids to swim teams.
Bridge the gap between lesson age youth and teens
Training programs in High Schools
Make connections with P.E. staff members
Can a LG course be added to the school day?
Collaborate with HS swim coaches
Assistant coach to offer lessons before/after/during practice

5. Training a Diverse Staff
Identify the obstacles
Poverty, transportation, access to pool and technology
Overcome the obstacles
Scholarship oppoutunities
Training at multiple locations
Training as part of the school day and/or after-school program
Training more than once?
Refund policy reflects program needs

6. Retaining Staff Outstanding Work Performance – keep it positive
An appreciated employee will do more! Perform better.
Flexible scheduling
Sub policies
Team building activities
Promotion opportunities
Mixed in-servicing – demonstrate respect for all roles

7. Growing the Staff Promotion from within Aqua-Fit classes
LG  WSI  LGI  Leadership/Pool Manager
10/12 Pool Managers in MPS are “home grown”
Diverse staff reflect the communities they serve
Bilingual
Careful not to create islands
Pool Manager SWAP days
City-Wide Pool Manager meetings
Aqua-Fit classes
Partner with corporate wellness initiatives.
Recruit eager participants to become part-time team members.

8. Postcard Write yourself a card home
1 thing you want to investigate when you get home
1 strategy you want to utilize this year