Akwa is the official magazine of the Aquatic Exercise Association STAFF Julie See, Executive Editor Angie Proctor, Managing Editor Karen Creasey, Assistant Editor Graphic Design, Carolyn Mac Millan Contributing Photographers: Sheryl Ewart, Ron Klineschmidt, Carolyn Mac Millan, Troy Nelson and Julio Rivera Select Stock photos provided by Big Stock www.bigstock.com Front Cover Photo by Sheryl Ewart PUBLISHED Vol. 36, No. 3 Copyright 2023 by AEA Circulation: 5,500 Total Readership: 12,000 ISSN 1536-5549 Akwa may not be reproduced without written permission from the managing editor. Akwa is available in digital format in the members only section at aeawave.org. Opinions of contributing authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Aquatic Exercise Association. AEA OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm Eastern Time Zone (Atlanta) CONTACT Mailing Address: AEA 1618 Ellis Street Brunswick GA 31520 Toll-Free: 888-232-9283 Phone: 912-289-3559 Fax: 912-289-3560 Website: aeawave.org Email: [email protected] About Akwa On the Pool Deck By Julie See, Akwa Executive Editor 2022 is ending – and more than one person has told us they are ready for a new year with new hopes, dreams, and goals. Let’s take this opportunity to look ahead to 2023 as a year of unity – for our world, our communities, and maybe even within our own families. Together we are stronger. Our intention for 2023 is further unite the various aspects of our organization that now encompasses the Aquatic Exercise Association, Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Insti- tute, Arthritis Foundation Aquatic and Exercise Programming, and United States Water Fitness Association. With this unity comes strength to better serve YOU! In the coming year, you will see more educational opportunities and more resources that address the aquatic continuum. Bookmark our Calendar, https://aeawave.org/ Calendar, and check back frequently as AEA and ATRI events are being booked for the winter and spring. New workshop topics are on the agenda, including Personal Pool – a perfect option to transition clients from post-therapy to fitness. One of the most prominent ways that we are uniting is through the International Aquatic Fitness & Therapy Conference – two events but one location. Two Events: ATRI’s focus on therapy runs April 30 – May 2 and AEA’s focus on fitness runs April 30-May 5. One Location: Orlando, Florida. Registration will open around January 25 and both events will sell out. RSVP discounts will be available, but you must carefully watch your inbox in December! Speaking of watching your inbox, our 12 Days of Christmas promotion is begin- ning. Great savings offered each weekday from December 1-16. Email press releases will be coming to your inbox and are time sensitive, so check your emails and take advantage of these seasonal deals. As the year ends, we like to pause to recognize YOU for supporting AEA/ATRI through your membership. Our united efforts allow more people across the globe to enjoy the benefits of moving in water. n 2 | Akwa | December 2022 / January 2023 / February 2023
