Finding the perfect host location for aquatic therapy trainings in 2009: Are you THE ONE?

[First published 3/07]

We are looking for the perfect host locations for seminars in 2009. Are you THE ONE?

One of the major frustrations of my year is tracking down the perfect location to hold all of our aquatic therapy seminars.

You wouldn't think it could be such a headache. There are thousands of pools in the U.S. We know about almost all of them. And yet, I would give my first born child for a warm water (92-94 degree) pool with loads of water in the 3' to 4' depth.

Most of the work that happens in aquatic therapy happens at chest- to waist-level water. So, we need a pool that will fit between 25 and 30 people in the same depth at the same time.

Argghh.

Laurie, our office manager, bless her soul, just wants to cry sometimes. It starts with an innocent comment on my part, say something like "Let's hold Peggy's next seminar in South Carolina."

She smiles (a bit tightly I must say) in my general direction and proceeds to the phone lines. Days later, she calls me with an update. It goes something like this.

"I found a pool in Greenville."

"Great," I exclaim (excitement evident in my voice. I like to be supportive to Laurie so she doesn't make my work world fall apart).

"It's almost functional."

"Umm..."

"The hurricane, you know."

"Ahhh."

"Three sides of the pool are operational. They plan on having the fourth up and running by the time we want to host."

"Uh. Do you think it's smart to plan a seminar in a pool that doesn't -- now, I realize I'm being picky here -- have the capacity to hold water?"

This is the point where Laurie starts getting uppity. Silence ensues until one of us (read: me) caves.

"Sure, sure. Sounds perfect." And voila! We've found our next host site.

Then we bite our nails until the pool is actually up and running.

So take a moment, have mercy on us, and let us know about that perfect pool at your place.

Leave a comment here on the blog about your pool -- or email us at ARN.

Laurie will thank you.

Warm water regards, Andrea Salzman