Most communities already have more aquatic capacity than they realize. They have pools, schools, coaches, instructors, recreation departments, and community organizations. The opportunity is to connect these assets and put them to work.

In Episode #116 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, Coach Mark Rauterkus introduces The Community Aquatics Directive, a practical playbook co-authored with Coach Ron Usher, inventor of OtterBall.

The book presents ten pillars for transforming underused swimming pools into thriving community assets. The episode explores drowning prevention, learn-to-swim instruction, vertical swimming and aquatic fitness, youth retention programs, school partnerships, competitive pathways, lifeguard development, smarter scheduling, and sustainable funding.

Discover how better programming can expand participation, develop local employment opportunities, strengthen public health, generate revenue, and make existing aquatic facilities more valuable to the communities they serve.

GET THE BOOK FREE: Visit https://SwimISCA.com and join the International Swim Coaches Association team on CrewLAB to access the free PDF edition of The Community Aquatics Directive.

AN INVITATION: Coach Mark is also seeking foreword contributors for future editions of the book, with opportunities to feature the contributor's name on the cover.

A pool is a major community asset. Strong programming is what makes that asset come alive.

Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide | Episode #116

Coach Mark Rauterkus announces the launch of the new book's arrival: "Public Policy Playbook for Pittsburgh Aquatics & Recreation – Yinzer Edition."

Co-author is Ron Usher.

Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, episode #115 hits current events and then a view into the first book of 2026, Mental Skills for Young Athletes and how that can fit into your sports programs and teams. See the reveal on how to get a free PDF, and let's discuss key strategies to improve city recreation, arts, and youth mental health.

You'll also hear Mayor Corey O'Connor weigh in on new rec‑center partnerships and community initiatives, just before the book gets handed to him.

Mayor is in full agreement. Time will tell.

Overview of the Playbook: 10 pillars, strategic principles, meta plays, and actionable "plays." How to download the free PDF via CREWLAB (crewlab.io) and purchase the printed copy at SWIMISCA.com. Mayor Corey O'Connor's plans for expanding rec‑center hours, school‑facility partnerships, and arts programming. The three‑tier mental‑resilience action plan for youth athletes, based on Dr. John Hoog's research. Next steps: community involvement, feedback opportunities, and upcoming expansions of city sports camps and cultural events.

"The ball's in your court—action is the kicker that will transform our rec centers into life‑saving community hubs."

Barry is pushing for a group to form to consider local recreational needs in Salmon Arm, BC, Canada and has called for a meeting on October 1 at the local university.

In a similar front, but different setting, Mark Rauterkus, is pushing the reformation of the Athletic Reform Task Force in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Follow along as these stories unfold. None of us know what to expect and what happens next.

In episode #114 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we launch a new Substack too, 1Shuswap.Substack.com and give a boost to Barry Healey's efforts in BC, Canada. We discuss building an athletic reform task force, navigating government roadblocks, and a clever way to fund a new public park. We also take a quick look at the VASA trainer's retirement and its impact on swim training.

Learn:

• How to design and launch a city‑wide athletic reform task force from scratch.
• Strategies for getting provincial and federal sport funding when councils push back.
• The "case of beer" pitch that secured a $13‑per‑household‑per‑month park funding plan.
• Engaging schools and universities in community sports development.
• Updates on the VASA trainer's retirement and alternatives for swim‑ERG training.