1. Sustainability of Aquatics
How Partnerships Will Allow Our Programs to Grow and Thrive
World Aquatic Health Conference
Sylvia Lam
Executive Director
Burlingame Aquatic Club
45 minutes

2. Programming Challenge
We need more
WATER!

3. Programming Challenge
We need more
MONEY!

4. Programming Challenge
We need more
EXPERTISE!

5. Programming Challenge
We need more
TIME!

6. The BAC Story Burlingame Aquatic Club City of Burlingame Parks and Rec
San Mateo Union High School District

7. Burlingame Aquatic Club
To serve our community by providing excellent aquatic opportunities.

8. Burlingame Aquatic Club
Est. 2000
Age Group Swim Team (USS)
Masters Swim (USMS)
Age Group Water Polo (USWP)

9. Partnership with the City and SMUHSD
Est. 2011
Subsidy for Community
Programs
Swim Lessons, Camps Lap Swim, Classes
& Rec Swim
Facility Maintenance
City & SMUHSD 50/50
Capital Expenses
BAC/City* & SMUHSD 78/22
Chemicals, Supplies, Gas & Electricity,
Work Orders for Pool House
*City’s share paid by BAC

10. Burlingame Aquatic Club
Est. 2000
Age Group Swim Team (USS)
Masters Swim (USMS)
Age Group Water Polo (USWP)

11. Burlingame Aquatic Club
Est. 2011
Seasonal Rec Swim
Water Aerobics
Year Round Swim Lessons
Spring Break &
Summer Camps
Birthday and Pool Parties
Lap Swim
Community
Events
Splashball
American Red Cross Lifeguard Classes

13. Step 1: Know Your Why Mission Statement Vision Core Values Purpose
Know your why: What is your mission statement? What is the partner organization’s mission statement?
Vision? Core Value? Purpose?
We are all involved in a passion industry. No one is in it to get rich. We are in aquatics because that’s who we are, it’s what we do.
Connect as people first, then professionals.
A partnership is working together towards shared goals through an agreed upon shared division of labor.

14. Foundation for a Strong Partnership
Know your why…

15. Step 2: Know Your Zone
Like a lifeguard on duty, you need to know what area you are responsible for. Who does what? Who pays what? Who talks to who?
Avoid confusion, miscommunication and keep things organized by designated specific roles, responsibilities, and a phone tree.
Don’t micromanage how other people run their business. “Safe cracking story” from Mob Rules.

16. Money....
Figure out a fair and mutually beneficial financial plan. Make sure all parties benefit when it comes to money. Don’t get greedy.
Quote from mob rules: Chapter 8

17. Politics...
Avoid politics. Just do good, fair business. When you fulfil your end of the agreement and do it with a smile and a good attitude, you are easier to work with.
Make people’s life easier. No one wants drama.
Quote: Mob Rules Chapter 7

18. Step 3: Plan It, Map It Contracts Billing Meetings Communication Plan
Evaluate
Report
Don’t rush into things. It’s OK to be decisive. Mob Rules - story about selling “tvs” that were boxes full of bricks.
Contracts - so we are clear and we agree, and we set a time to revisit
Billing - money money money, make it clear and make it fair
Meetings & Communication Plan - make it easy to communicate. Streamline it. Do it often.
Evaluate - what are short term and long term goals. How do we evauate our success?
Report back to your constituents. Report back to your internal team. Report to your customers!

19. Step 4: Let It Grow Be Real Support Encouragement Public Praise
Kindergarten
Transparency is a catch phrase in business these days - just be real and do ethical business.

20. Break Out!
Connect as people first, then professionals: How Did You Get Started?
What is your why? (Personal & Agency/Organization)
What qualities do you seek in a business partner?
Pairs: How did you get started - connect with someone for 3 minutes each person ( 6 minutes)
Small group: have your pair join another pair and discuss your why (5 minutes) Make Post-Its
Post-it’s to share with room. Two walls: personal and agency/organization, cannot repeat what others put up… go until we run out (7 minutes)
Small group: What qualities do you seek in a business partner? (5 minutes) Make Post-Its
Post-it’s to share with room. ( 5 minutes)