About Aquatics Today
At Aquatics Today, we aim for a warm and friendly environment where the entire aquatics community can feel like they belong. Here, you will find the latest updates, best practices, and leadership development programs to help you build safe and effective swim programs in your local district.
Our Leadership Team
Jamal Hill is a Paralympic medalist, educator, philanthropist, and managing director of Aquatics Today. Prior to representing the United States of America at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020, he served as a lifeguard within community parks & recreation departments for nearly a decade.
Since 2018, Hill has provided innovation to individuals and organizations in the aquatic industry across the globe. He began, Aquatics Today, to help fill the need for best practices within aquatic spaces by providing resources nationwide and online.
Some of Jamal's partners include Speedo, USA Swimming, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Organizing Committee. He has also appeared on the front page of the Los Angeles Times and on different television networks for his work in educating aquatic professionals on leadership and community engagement. In addition to press features, Jamal has spoken and taught at prestigious institutions including Columbia University, University of Southern California, and New York University.
When he's not busy helping clients revitalize their aquatic programs, Jamal spends his time traveling, reading, and volunteering for charitable causes around the greater Los Angeles Area.
Aquatics Leadership Council
The Aquatics Leadership Council strives to ignite industry innovation, establish benchmarks for the future of aquatics, and foster valuable collaborative relationships with top professionals in the field.
Aaron Hawkey
Co-Founder of BallerTV
Hassibullah Aghbar
Project manager at Peace and Sport Council of Afghanistan
Aquatics Mental Health Council
The Aquatics Mental Health Council aims to change the way we view mental health. Through a range of initiatives this council is focused on helping those within the aquatics community access mental health services, create a more supportive environment, and improve overall mental well-being.
Noelle Singleton
Founder and CEO of Afroswimmers
Mark Lombardo, M.D.
Neurologist, Dive Medicine Physician, PADI/TDi Divemaster
Anastasia Pagonis
2x Paralympic Swimming Medalist & Advocate for the Blind
Wilma Wong
Mental Performance Coach, Mobility Specialist FRC & RPR, Swim Consultant
Aquatics Equity Council
The Aquatics Equity Council is on a mission to provide access to aquatic activity for all people, regardless of race, gender identity, or ability. Through education and advocacy, the council is working to make aquatic activity more equitable and inclusive for everyone.
Bob Babbitt
Co-Founder of the Challenged Athletes Foundation
Leland Brown III
Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at USA Swimming
Lizzi Smith
3x Paralympic Swimming Medalist & Disability Advocate
Aquatics Lifeguard Council
The Aquatics Lifeguard Council is dedicated to making sure that everyone - no matter where they swim - is safe. This council provides communities with the resources they need to make informed decisions surrounding water safety. Members strive to improve communication between communities and aquatic environments, while promoting a lifesaving career of service.
Glyn Owens
Los Angeles City Parks & Recreation Head Lifeguard
Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins
Chief Lifeguard, Bondi Beach Rescue of Australia
Christa Gitlitz
Former Lifeguard & Mother
Rob Keely
Los Angeles County Fire Department Ocean Lifeguard
Aquatics Youth Council
The Aquatics Youth Council is an important platform for young aquatics leaders to have their voices heard! The council provides resources, support, and mentorship for the next generation of aquatics professionals!
Blair Wootson
Age Group Swimmer & Founder of Swim 50 For Change Movement
Lisa Cavelier
Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs of Pasadena
Riley Baldwin
Highschool Swimmer & #TeamSpeedo Ambassador
Aquatics Parent's Council
The Aquatics Parent's Council is here to help you become a better parent and partner with your child in aquatics. We provide pathways and guidance to help you raise the next generation of aquatics leaders. Our community of supportive parents is here to share ideas, experiences, and advice.
Nadine Day
Swim Mom & Former US Masters Swimming Board President
Mario Marshall
Swim Dad & Performance Coach/Celebrity Trainer
Lindsay Mondick
Parent & Director of Aquatic Safety Movement Sevices at YMCA OF THE USA
Peter Ford
Parent & Swim School Owner
Dee Sapp
Paralympian Parent & Founder of Accessibility Bridge Corporation
What We Do
Leadership development. Better systems. Best practices. These are what we focus on at Aquatics Today. We created an online space to help aquatics directors streamline their work. We’re offering programs and summits that will help lifeguards build a safer, more fun recreational aquatics facility in their areas.
If there’s any aquatics leadership seminar or water safety program that you’d like to see from us, let us know.
We know we’ve done a good job when you visit our website and think, “wow, this is made for me.” So don’t hesitate to share your insights and recommendations with our team. We’ll gladly incorporate them into our content and services so they can reach more people in the community.
Who We Cater To
Aquatics Today caters to the aquatics community at large. But we focus on three distinct groups:
- Aquatics division and public swimming pool facilities of city governments
- Non-profit organizations that have an aquatics program
- Schools that have swim programs
- Aquatic Professional (i.e. lifeguards, pooler managers, pro swimmers)
- Resources from reputable aquatic vendors
Regardless of your swimming pool facilities or water features, you can count on us to fill you in on what’s going on in the aquatics world today. Our resources will help you develop better systems and best practices to do an effective job as an aquatics director or manager.
Of course, we also share leadership development programs so you can effectively oversee the aquatics program at your local district, non-profit organization, or school-based swim program. If you have ideas or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
