Equitable Aquatics

What a great way to kickstart the morning with Paulana of Black People Will Swim at the Association of Aquatic Professionals.

I’m honored to be active with this non-profit movement and in the Aquatics International Power Issue.

Proud to be a part of this work with Association of Aquatic Professionals!

As 2025 came to a close, AOAP’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Committee asked aquatic professionals an important question: How prepared are we to support neurodivergent participants?

The results reveal both commitment and concern. While most professionals regularly work with neurodivergent swimmers, many report limited training, inconsistent protocols, and a lack of practical tools. At the same time, interest in learning is high—and the desire for aquatics-specific, real-world guidance is clear.

This article explores key survey findings, what they mean for safety and inclusion, and how AOAP is turning insights into action