Outdoor News May 11, 2018

Water Safety Month Survey

In honor of National Water Safety Month, a national survey commissioned by Swimways Corp., a pool and outdoor recreational products manufacturer, revealed that more than 4 out of 5 parents understand that learning to swim by age 5 increases a child’s self-confidence. However, 88% of parents were unaware that learning to swim before age 5 can also aid in the development of mathematical skills. In addition, the survey found that only 14% of parents understand that swimming can help develop oral expression, and less than half of those surveyed understood that swimming can boost children’s social skills.

For the past two years on National Learn to Swim Day™, Swimways has partnered with the USA Swimming Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to save lives and build champions – in the pool and life –raising awareness about water safety and the importance of teaching children to swim. Two-time Olympic medalist and USA Swimming Foundation Ambassador Elizabeth Beisel will serve as the spokesperson on Swimways National Learn to Swim Day™ to be held on May 19, 2018.

“The Swimways survey results demonstrate parents’ understanding of the physical benefits of swimming, but many are unaware of the additional mental and psychological advantages of learning to swim at an early age,” states Elizabeth Beisel.

A comprehensive four-year study by the Griffith Institute for Educational Research found that children who were taught to swim by 5 years of age had statistically higher IQs because of their early sensory/motor stimulation in the water. Additionally, the study showed that these children were more advanced in their cognitive and physical development than their non-swimming peers.

As to when children should be introduced to swimming, parents overwhelmingly agree (82%) that children should learn to swim by at least age 5. However, mothers and fathers don’t see eye-to-eye about when their little ones should experience their first swimming lesson. Mothers are far more comfortable with children learning to swim before they turn 1 – 28% vs. 14% of fathers.

“It is most important for parents to involve their children in swimming at an early age,” states Monica Jones, Vice President of Marketing Swimways Corp. “Not only will it be beneficial to their overall development, but it will inspire a lifetime of discovery and love of the water.”

To celebrate Swimways National Learn to Swim Day, Beisel recommends these learn-to-swim tips for parents:

• Once your child has learned to swim, create consistent practice time to enhance his/her skills and increase their confidence.
• Family play time in the water can also reinforce confidence. Consider water toys, pool floats, pool games and swim training gear that make learning-to-swim fun!
• Every family has different needs when it comes to swim instruction. For learn to swim resources, visitwww.teachmetoswim.com, and to find swim lesson providers in your area, visit https://www.usaswimmingfoundation.org/find-swim-lessons. 
• Swimming uses a ton of energy. Remember to take breaks and keep kids hydrated to maintain their level of confidence in the water. 
• Motivation is key! Keep focused on the ‘fun’ aspects of swimming with family and friends.

The Swimways Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. parents with children under 18 living in the home, between April 3 and April 6, 2018, using an email invitation and an online survey. Results for the interviews conducted in this survey are accurate to within plus or minus 3.1 percentage points with a 95% certainty.

Volcanoes National Park Closed

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park closed today until further notice due to the possibility of an explosive steam event and ash fall at the summit of Kilauea Volcano.  Only the Kahuku Unit will be open during its normal hours, Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

With the possibility of a steam-induced explosion at the summit of Kilauea due to the receding lava lake, an ensuing ash fall event, plus southerly wind patterns forecasted for today, the majority of the park will be closed until further notice and reopen when it is safe to do so.

The lava lake near the top of the volcano has been dropping in elevation as lava vents out the side of the mountain.  Once the lava level falls below the water table,  water will spill over the lava and create large steam explosions that can hurl large rocks out the summit.

The eruption of spatter and lava along Kilauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone within the Leilani Estates subdivision paused. There was no lava flowing as of yesterday morning.  However, earthquake activity and ground deformation continue and additional outbreaks in the general area of Leilani Estates are expected. High levels of sulfur dioxide continue to be released from the fissure system.

 

Outdoor Industry MBA

On Tuesday, the School of Graduate Studies at Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado, announced the formation of a new and innovative opportunity. Starting with the 2018-19 academic year, Western will offer an Outdoor Industry MBA.

The two-year, online program includes an MBA core as well as specific tracks for either the product or service side of the outdoor-recreation economy, which generates $887 billion annually in consumer spending, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. The program also includes residencies, immersion experiences and guest lectures from outdoor industry experts.

“The Outdoor Industry MBA at Western will give graduate students the tools and connections necessary to make forward-thinking change within this fast-growing industry,” said program director Pete Sherman. “We have a unique approach to class scheduling where we offer the industry-specific courses first. This way, students can apply content from class immediately to the workplace.””

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree, professional experience in the industry and the desire to take their career to the next level. They have a lifestyle rooted in the outdoors, an aspiration to foster growth in this environmentally conscious, sustainable business sector and an interest in strengthening their network within the outdoor industry.

“The Outdoor Industry MBA’s clear focus on the business acumen required to lead the outdoor-recreation industry’s multibillion dollar economy is a significant measurement of Western’s and Colorado’s commitment to our talent pipeline,” said Luis Benitez, director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office.

Classes for Western’s inaugural Outdoor Industry MBA cohort begin September 24, pending accreditation approval. For more information about this one-of-a-kind academic program, visit western.edu/outdoor-industry-mba.

“Western has always been a feeder school for the outdoor industry,” said Adam Howard ’97, president and CEO of Height of Land Media, publisher of Alpinist, Backcountry and Cross Country Skier magazines. “Given its location and culture around outdoor pursuits, I can’t think of a school more poised to bring this MBA program to fruition.”

 

Outdoor Business Alliances

On Wednesday, the Outdoor Industry Association released a summary of the Business Alliance Workshop held last November at the SHIFT Conference in Jackson, Wyoming.  Leaders involved in creating or advancing alliances of businesses related to the outdoor industry addressed the following topics:

•      Why outdoor business alliances are formed
•      How they are organized
•      Common themes and differences
•      Examples of success
•      Support alliances need to have even more of an impact

A summary of the workshop, including key takeaways, may be found here.

“One of the best ways to make the business case for public lands is to hear directly from business leaders who care about the outdoors, including leaders whose businesses depend on public lands or outdoor recreation, and those whose businesses are located in a community because owners and employees want to enjoy the outdoor way of life,”” said Christian Beckwith, SHIFT’s director.

“These leaders can speak directly to why we need public lands and how they contribute to the economy.”

“It can be particularly compelling when businesses form or join alliances that amplify their collective voice,” agreed Cailin O’Brian-Feeney, State and Local Policy Manager for the Outdoor Industry Association. “Alliances can open doors, forge partnerships across sectors and across political divides, spur economic growth, and create meaningful change.”

“By working together, businesses and partners can be a strong voice to promote outdoor recreation and the lands and waters that support the outdoor recreation economy,” said Ray Rasker, Executive Director of Headwaters Economics and the workshop moderator.

“The bottom line is that outdoor recreation and public lands are good for business and can help diversify and grow local economies,” said Beckwith. “Bringing together alliances or coalitions of small businesses and other partners that can represent that viewpoint is powerful and helpful.”

A second annual Business Alliance Workshop is under consideration for the 2018 SHIFT Festival, which will be held October 16-18 in Jackson, WY. Those interested in further information may reach out directly at info@shiftjh.org.

 

Concerns About Farm Bill

Outdoor Alliance recently submitted comments to Congress about the Farm Bill. What does the Farm Bill have to do with outdoor recreation, you might ask?

The Farm Bill is an omnibus bill that directs a lot of what happens at the Department of Agriculture. As you might know, the Forest Service lives in the Department of Agriculture, so some sections of the bill deal with Forestry.  

In the group’s official comment letter they share concerns with a few sections of the Farm Bill, especially how it prioritizes logging National Forests above all other uses. Other concerns include:

• Aspects that could undermine the public process on National Forests.
• Wildfire funding saw a fix in the recent omnibus spending bill, but the Farm Bill contradicts some of those provisions.
• Undermines the Roadless Rule, which the Alliance has gone to great lengths to defend, since it protects some of the country’s best outdoor recreation.

Learn more by reading the full comment letter.

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Video of the Week

This week’s eruption of Kilauea Volcano has spawned a lot of video clips for you to watch.  Instead of those, we offer some background on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park created by Hawaii on the Move a few years ago. It explains what you will find there, subject to change, should you choose to visit at a more appropriate time. 

   

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