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SPN OCT 2011 IndustryNews
José-Angel Gonzalez heading Waterco’s Lyon operation
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk LEISURE CONNECTION INVESTS IN POOL MANAGEMENT TRAINING
Leisure Connection has confirmed that all its senior managers will have achieved the National Pool Management Qualification, a qualification from the Royal Life Saving Society, by the end of this year. The qualification, which is improving standards across the swimming pool industry, is aimed at managerial level employees who have to deal with serious incidents in swimming pools and those who have responsibility for health and safety within the facilities.
WATERCO EUROPE ANNOUNCES NEW FACILITY IN FRANCE
manufacturer and distributor of products for the international swimming pool and water treatment markets, are pleased to announce the opening of a new facility in Lyon, France in order to expand in keeping with a growing customer base. Situated in the heart of the French swimming pool market with access to valuable transport links, Waterco’s new office will allow the company to offer an efficient service not only to the French market but also its neighbouring countries. “Waterco Europe has always been focused on expanding its European operation through either expansion or acquisitions,” says Tony Fisher, Managing Director of Waterco Europe; “France is possibly the largest swimming pool market in Europe and has always been an important part of Waterco’s continued growth so it made sense to open an operation there.”
In addition to promoting the Waterco range of product lines through recognised distribution centres throughout France, the new facility will also assist in servicing their customers in surrounding countries, predominantly those located in southern Europe, in order to provide the most efficient service to their customers. Heading the Lyon operation will be José-Angel Gonzalez, an industry professional with more than 20 years’ experience in the European swimming pool market.
“Waterco’s product range is reasonably diverse so we are able to cater for a number of different markets encompassing the swimming pool, water treatment and aquaculture markets,” Fisher adds. “Waterco Europe has enjoyed solid growth over the past five years within many of these markets and we see this continuing with the opening of Waterco France.”
For more information please contact Mr J-A Gonzalez on: +33 6 2640 5610.
Tricia Lewis, Group Health and Safety Manager for Leisure Connection says: “We have been continually working to improve the safety and service within our swimming pools. I was part of the steering group when the qualification was being created and I knew that this would be the most effective way of getting all of our managers working together as one.
“The course has been positively received by the managers who feel they have the tools and knowledge in place to deal with issues, should they occur, with confidence.”
Around 60 managers from across the Leisure Connection business will have the qualification by the end of the year.
Tara Dillon, Executive Director of IQL UK, which runs the qualification on behalf of RLSS UK, says: “Managers need to be suitably qualified to manage pools and many aren’t fully aware of their responsibilities with regards to managing health and safety. Leisure Connection has demonstrated its dedication to maintaining a safe environment by putting its managers and in particular it’s regional managers through the NPMQ. Having this knowledge can make the difference in protecting swimmers.”
PLYMOUTH’S NEW POOL FACILITIES The European division of Waterco, the HAILED ‘FANTASTIC’ AND ‘WORLD-CLASS’
Aquatic facilities at the new Plymouth Life Centre have been hailed ‘fantastic and world-class’. The complex is due to open next year and will
include: • A family leisure pool with flumes, ‘beach entry’ and bubble pool
• A 10-lane, 50-metre swimming pool with moveable floors and submersible ‘booms’ allowing flexible use
• One of the top four diving pools in the country, also offering a moveable floor so it can be used as a standard pool
• A dry side training facility for competitive divers • A relaxing oasis with sauna, steam rooms and showers
Management and coaches from British Diving and representatives from the English Institute of Sport were taken to see the progress being made on the swimming and diving pools.
The ‘fact-finding’ visit was hosted by Plymouth City Council and was part of an annual conference organised by British Diving, held at UCP Marjon. The conference, attended by around 30 delegates, was a chance for British Diving to outline its programme and strategy for the next 12 months in the lead-up to the Olympic Games in London. Plymouth-based diving coach Andy Banks said the facility will be one of the best in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. “Over the years I’ve really seen Plymouth up its game and it will soon be on the world stage when it comes to providing state-of-the-art leisure and sporting facilities such as the Plymouth Life Centre,” he said. “There is a huge amount of anticipation now in the lead up to the opening, and I personally cannot wait to start using the centre, which will make a massive difference.”
When it opens in February 2012 the Plymouth Life Centre will have the only 10-lane, 50-metre Olympic-sized competition swimming pool in the south west. It will also have one of the top four diving pools in the country and a dry-side training facility for competitive divers.
The swimming and diving pools’ moveable floors and booms will provide the equivalent of five 25-metre pools in addition to a family leisure pool, which is much more water space than the city has ever offered.
This flexibility means there will be public swimming space available all day and it will be possible for many different groups – for example divers, public swimmers, school children, learners and clubs – to be using the facility at the same time, all within their own defined pool areas.
British Diving and representatives from the English Institute of Sport saw progress being made on the swimming and diving pools
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