
Breakout Sessions
Strengthening Your Aquatic Programming:
Building Capacity, Quality, and Leadership
Jennifer Fruscella
Co-Area Chair
Lifesaving Society
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Jennifer Fruscella works for the Town of Oakville and brings more than 30 years of experience in the aquatics sector. She currently serves as a Co‑Area Chair with the Lifesaving Society in Oakville and is a member of the Society’s Management Training Council. Jennifer is passionate about aquatics and is dedicated to strengthening programming through capacity building, quality improvement, and leadership development.
Lessons Learned:
Strengthening Aquatic Safety Through Incident Review and Prevention
Michael Shane
Safety Management Director
Lifesaving Society
Gary Sanger
Past VP of Aquatic Safety Management
Lifesaving Society
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Michael Shane is the Safety Management Director for the Lifesaving Society. He has been employed by the Society for over 28 years and prior to that he worked in as the Aquatics Co-ordinator in Mississauga and Brampton. He is Past President of Association of Aquatic Personnel of Ontario. He is a member of the Canadian Blue Flag Jury.
He works with dedicated volunteers to enhance safety in aquatic facilities. He has spoken at conferences provincially, nationally and internationally. In addition he has been called upon to provide expert witness testimony in civil cases and Public Inquests across Canada. He has performed over three hundred safety audits of aquatic facilities throughout Canada.
Gary Sanger is now retired from the City of Toronto after 30 years as the Supervisor of Aquatics in Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division. He is the past Vice-President of Aquatic Safety Management Services with the Lifesaving Society and Past President of the Aquatic Branch of Parks and Recreation Ontario. He has travelled extensively across Canada delivering sessions on the topic of aquatic risk management and the real-life aftermath of dealing with catastrophic incidents.
Introduction to Masters Swimming
Nancy Black
Masters Swimming Ambassador
Swim Ontario
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We are a Team:
Developing a relationship with yourh local emergency services
Nathan Hughes
Training Specialist
Region of Waterloo, Paramedic Services
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Nathan is a Training Specialist with Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services and a Professor at Conestoga College, focused on advancing safety, education, and system readiness across paramedic and emergency services.
With seven years of frontline experience as a Primary Care Paramedic, he brings real-world insight into high-risk, dynamic environments. He began his career in aquatics as a Lifeguard/Instructor and Aquatic Supervisor, building a strong foundation in emergency response and leadership.
Nathan now works with Campus Response Teams and aquatic facilities to better prepare first aiders and first responders for what to expect when 9-1-1 is activated—focusing on communication, scene readiness, and effective transfer of care upon the arrival of emergency services.
He was recently nominated for the Black Excellence Gala Education and Mentorship Award for his leadership in implementing the External Violence Against Paramedics (EVAP) initiative, advancing innovative training and safety practices for frontline paramedics.
Beyond Drowning Detection:
How aquatics intelligence platforms are connecting pools, beaches, harbours, and the agencies that manage them
Justin Dyer
Operations Manager
H2oVision
Richard Webster
Senior Pool Technician
H2oVision
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Enhancing Emergency Readiness Through Aquatics and Fire Department Collaboration
Emily Hunter
Aquatics and Fitness Supervisor
City of Brantford
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I am an Aquatics and Fitness Supervisor at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre for the City of Brantford, a role I have proudly held for the past eight years. My career in aquatics began at the age of 16 as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and that early experience sparked a passion that has continued to grow throughout my career.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors with my dog. I have been participating in triathlons for the past six years which reflects my ongoing commitment to health, fitness and personal challenge"
"I'm a Parent of Your Participants - Listen to Me"
Lisa Brandie
Lifesaving Society
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Lisa Brandie is the Manager of Aquatic Programs and Leadership at the City of London. She has worked at a water park, waterfront at a summer camp as well as the Boys and Girls Club. Lisa is a Swim, Lifesaving and First Aid Instructor trainer. She has volunteered with the Lifesaving Society on the Public Education Committee and is currently the chair of the Swim Committee on the Training Programs council.
Who Supervises the Supervisor?
Strengthening Leadership Performance During Aquatic Emergencies
Eddie Beaucage
Instructor / Trainer
Pointe-Claire Aquatic Department
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With over 40 years of dedicated service in aquatic safety, Eddie Beaucage is a nationally respected expert in water rescue, lifeguard training, and emergency response. A seasoned lifeguard trainer and competitive lifeguard, Eddie has mentored thousands of lifeguards and first responders across a wide range of aquatic environments, from public beaches to complex waterparks.
A dynamic speaker and educator, Eddie is known for engaging presentations and hands-on training sessions that combine real-world experience with evidence-based safety practices. Throughout a distinguished career, Eddie has collaborated with municipalities, educational institutions, and public safety agencies to raise the standard of aquatic risk management and emergency preparedness.
As a first responder and advocate for drowning prevention, Eddie continues to lead initiatives that prioritize public safety, promote professional excellence, and inspire the next generation of aquatic professionals."
More breakout sessions will be added soon.
Lifesaving Society's Aquatic Manager Course
Aquatic Manager is the Lifesaving Society’s professional designation for coordinators, managers and directors who, regardless of their aquatic background, are responsible for oversight of aquatic programs and services. This course equips participants with the knowledge, principles and skills required to confidently direct excellent program delivery, respond effectively to customer service inquiries, and comply with health and safety standards in the aquatic environment.

Aquatic Manager Course at PRO EX Exchange
PRO EX Exchange attendees have an exciting opportunity to take this course. With no prerequisites, it’s open to anyone who supervises or oversees an aquatic facility and wants to strengthen their management skills while learning from industry experts.
Course Details
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16-hours of comprehensive learning, including:
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Two 4-hour online Zoom sessions: September 30 & October 14 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
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One in-person session during PRO EX Exchange on October 7, 2026
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Pricing: $375+HST (All course materials included)
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Registration: Opens May 28, 2026 - 12 noon.
Please note: PRO Member pricing does not apply for this course.
Location
Lionhead Golf Club & Conference Centre
8525 Mississauga Road
Brampton, ON
L6Y 0C1
Accommodations
Delegates are encouraged to select accomodations that meet their individual travel requirements. While local accomodations close to the venue are available, there are no discount codes available.
Courtyard by Marriott (6.6 km)
7015 Century Avenue, Mississauga
905-567-5566
Cambridge Suites (6.5 km)
7005 Century Avenue, Mississauga
CAMBRIDGESUITESMISSISSAUGA.COM
905-567-2577
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