Why Watershape University?
Ever since the formation of Watershape University last fall, curious minds have rightfully asked what this organization is all about, what our goals are, and the means we’ll be using achieve those ends? Here’s a rundown of the key questions and answers:
What’s a “watershape”?
The creators of WaterShapescoined the term before the magazine debuted back in February 1999. It’s essentially shorthand for all forms of recreational and decorative water including pools, spas, fountains, ponds, streams, waterfalls, interactive waterfeatures, water gardens, natural bodies of water and even birdbaths. The magazine spearheaded an educational movement that sought to redefine water in the landscape as an architectural design element and art form — a campaign that continues to this day.
What is Watershape University?
Watershape University (WU) is the leading professional authority on quality live instruction for business, design, engineering and construction serving students of all levels in the pool, spa, aquatics and outdoor living sectors. Although recently founded by David J. Peterson. and William T. Drakeley, WU is defined by decades of teaching and practice among staff, faculty and volunteers engaged in its educational and credentialing programs.
Why do we exist?
Watershape University was created to ensure long-term prosperity within watershaping (i.e. ,aquatics) industries by supporting the growth of an educated professional workforce. We also exist to raise awareness of the benefits of being near, in or around water. It first grew out of the founders’ shared desire for staff training within their own companies. While other sources were either too expensive or not technical- or design-oriented enough, the WU curriculum exists to fill those voids.
What do we strive to accomplish?
We are working to create an educated class of individuals and companies dedicated to elevating the professionalism of the watershaping industries while also inspiring everyone to experience the joy and benefits of recreational and decorative water.
What means will we use to accomplish our goals?
WU’s curricula are based on third-party accreditation, providing a credentialed path for career advancement. We are financially supported by student fees as well as support from watershape manufacturers and suppliers. We provide coaching and outreach through the International Watershape Institute, a group of our most accomplished instructors and students. Finally, we support the Live Blue Foundation, an affiliated organization established to provide grants to organizations putting what we call “Blue Mind” concept into action.
What values and benefits sustain our efforts?
As both idealists and realists, we believe that principled leadership, honesty and integrity, a supportive culture, compassion, gratitude and altruism will inevitably result in personal growth and professional gain for the entire industry.
Who benefits from WU?
Our credentialed students, their companies, employees and subcontractors; faculty and coaches; associate corporations, colleagues and partners; peers and the entire professional watershaping community; consumers and all of humankind.
To what end are we working?
It’s been said that swimming pools are the gateway to the world of water, and Watershape University is considered the educational authority on how best to design, build, service and sell watershapes.
Mission:
Getting people near, in, on or under water for life, recognizing pools as the gateway to water and accredited education as the means to design, build, service and sell pools according to best practices.
About Us:
WU encourages personal development through membership in the elite International Watershape Institute, providing principled leadership, a supportive culture and altruism to benefit the industry and society. A key outreach is The Live Blue Foundation, a partnership between Watershape University and The Blue Mind Company. Lauren Stack, WU Vice President, is pleased to serve as an advisory board member of the Foundation, getting people near, in, on or under water for life.
Hallmarks of Success:
1) Growth in the number of students year over year and, with it, educational and credentialing revenue.
2) Growth in students seeking IWI membership status, meaning it is recognized as the team of experts and industry leaders.
3) Growth in Corporate Engagement.
4) Being embraced by other industry groups for educational needs –for example, Carecraft, Master Pools Guild, NorthEast Spa & Pool Association, Bel-Aqua and others.
5) Historically, institutions like AIA, ASLA, APLD, ACI and ASA have not embraced the pool industry, but our outreach efforts and quality education are slowly bringing our industry into the respected Architecture / Engineering / Construction (A/E/C) industry. Success will be evident when we are asked to provide accredited educational programs at their national shows. Growth in our participation with these institutions could be monitored and reported annually.
6) Live Blue Foundation links the pool industry to other aquatic industries such as surfing, boating, fishing, etc. If water safety is critical to all aquatic industries and pools are the gateway to swimming and water safety, then recognition of the importance of our work in the minds of these related industries will signal success. Partnering up with related industries for promotional purposes could be monitored and reported annually.
7) Growth in Live Blue Foundation donations across our industry and beyond.