Terry has been in active in the field of recreation since 1979. Starting as a frontline practitioner with no training, he has subsequently obtained diplomas, through distance learning, in both arena management and leisure services, while working his way through the ranks of supervisor, manager, and director. This passion for life-long learning is what he strives to instill in the next generation of recreation facility professionals. Today, his work focuses on monitoring legislative change in many of the complex regulations, codes and acts that impact recreation. Further, he collaborates with key governing authorities so that they are better informed of ORFA’s leadership role in the recreation sector and how the association is investing its resources to assist their respective efforts in compliance. In addition, he captures industry experiences and best practices, and develops actionable, easy-to-implement and practical solutions that comprise components of ORFA training courses, which result in professional accreditation. Terry has been recognized with numerous industry awards.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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"