Trusted Voice in Aquatics, Recreation, and Inclusive Leadership
Kate Connell, founder of Equitable Aquatics, is a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and consultant with over 15 years of experience in aquatic and recreation leadership. She has delivered more than 50 virtual and in-person educational sessions at local, state, regional, and national conferences, sharing practical strategies grounded in real-world operations.
Kate’s work focuses on the intersection of aquatics leadership, staff training, safety, and equity, helping agencies move from intention to implementation.
National Conferences & Organizations
Kate has presented educational sessions and workshops for leading national organizations, including:
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Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP)
National conferences, Director School, DEI and leadership sessions
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National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
NRPA Congress, Aquatics Network sessions, leadership and inclusion-focused programming
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World Waterpark Association (WWA)
Aquatic operations, staff training, and inclusion topics
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National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA)
Education sessions focused on safety, preparedness, and systems-level thinking
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Ellis & Associates International Aquatic Safety School
Training and professional development sessions
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United States Swim School Association
Virtual education sessions
State & Regional Conferences
Kate has been a frequent and returning presenter for state and regional parks, recreation, and aquatics associations across the country, including:
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California Parks & Recreation Association
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Iowa Parks & Recreation Association
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Michigan Parks & Recreation Association (virtual)
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Wisconsin Parks & Recreation Association
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Minnesota Parks & Recreation Association (virtual)
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Kansas Parks & Recreation Association (virtual)
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Missouri Parks & Recreation Association
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Oregon Parks & Recreation Association (virtual)
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Utah Parks & Recreation Association
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New Jersey Parks & Recreation Association (virtual)
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Connecticut Parks & Recreation Association
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North Texas Aquatics Association (virtual)
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Ohio Parks & Recreation Association
Aquatic Management & Professional Schools
Kate has delivered education sessions and workshops for specialized aquatic management programs, including:
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California Aquatic Management School (CAMS)
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Colorado Aquatic Management Conferences
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Arizona Aquatics Seminar
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Arkansas Aquatic Conference
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Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP)’s Prestigious Director School
Media, Publications & Features
Kate’s expertise has been featured in national industry publications and media outlets, including:
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Awards & Recognition
Kate Connell’s work has been recognized nationally for leadership, innovation, and impact within aquatics and parks and recreation.
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2026 – Aquatics International Power Award
Honoring influential leaders shaping the future of the aquatic industry through education, advocacy, and operational excellence.
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2025 – International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance (ILCIRA) Inaugural Volunteer of The Year Award
Recognizing leadership and meaningful contributions to the advancement of critical incident response, education, and professional support within the aquatic industry.
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2024 – Iowa Parks & Recreation Association Volunteer of the Year Award
For committee chair work through Aquatics Network.
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2022 – National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Young Professional Fellowship Award
Awarded to emerging leaders demonstrating excellence, innovation, and impact in parks and recreation.
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2021 – Association of Aquatic Professionals, Aquatic Professional of the Month
Recognizing outstanding professional leadership and contributions to aquatics at the national level.
Speaking Topics
Kate’s most requested sessions include:
Equitable Aquatics:
The 3 P’s of Inclusive Aquatics
Inclusive First Aid Practices
What "De-Escalation" Training Can Look Like
Building Culture Through Effective Aquatics Training
The Empathetic Employer
Lifeguard Audits, Vigilance, and Documentation
Engaging & Retaining Part-Time Staff
Sessions are available in keynote, breakout, workshop, and extended training formats.
Looking for a Different Topic?
These are just a few of Kate's most requested sessions. Every presentation can be tailored to your audience, and custom topics are developed regularly for conferences, leadership retreats, and organizational trainings.