At Life Floor, we believe that building safer, more inclusive aquatic environments begins with active engagement in the organizations that define, influence, and elevate our industry. These associations and standard-setting bodies are the foundation of progress, driving innovation, ensuring public safety, and shaping the future of recreational water spaces. We’re proud to support and participate in a wide network of industry-leading organizations, contributing to conversations that affect everything from surfacing safety and water quality to themed attraction design and inclusive play.
Our commitment goes beyond product design; we participate in boardrooms, task forces, conference panels, and certification programs to contribute to the conversations that matter. We’re proud to support and engage with a diverse network of industry-leading organizations dedicated to enhancing aquatic spaces worldwide.
Continuing Education: Certified and Informed
To better serve our clients and stay ahead of evolving industry standards, 13 Life Floor team members have earned the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification through the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). This designation enhances our understanding of aquatic operations, water chemistry, and facility management, enabling us to support our partners and clients with greater precision and care.
Influencing Safety Standards from the Inside
Jonathan Keller, CEO, and Brian Howell, Director of Strategic Initiatives, are highly involved with standards organizations that directly impact aquatic safety:
At NSF International, Jonathan chairs the NSF-50 Safety Surfacing Task Group, and both Brian and Jonathan participate in the NSF-50 Joint Committee and related task forces throughout the year.
Both are actively engaged with ASTM Committee F24, helping develop and maintain standards for amusement rides, aquatic surfacing, and slip resistance through the F2461 Slips & Friction Task Group, which meets monthly.
Brian also represents Life Floor at the ASTM F24 annual conference, where new initiatives are balloted and adopted.
Additionally, they regularly contribute as speakers at the World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC), Pool & Hot Tub Alliance events, and regional forums, such as the Minnesota Recreation & Park Association (MRPA).
These contributions enable Life Floor to be part of the conversation as safety standards evolve, ensuring that our product development is grounded in both science and practical application.
Inspiration FOR IMMERSIVE DESIGNS
As a Board Member for the Western North America Division of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), Kelsi Goss, VP of Design, brings a wealth of creative insight to Life Floor. The TEA unites professionals from museums, location-based experiences, cruise ships, theme parks, and more, making it an ideal network for innovation in experiential design.
Kelsi’s participation in annual events like INSPIRE and SATE helps keep Life Floor’s Studio team closely aligned with the latest design trends, guest experience innovations, and creative strategies used by the world’s top attractions.
Building Stronger Communities Through Leadership
Our commitment to leadership extends beyond safety standards. Several of our team members hold leadership roles in organizations focused on equity, education, and innovation.
Emily Freihammer, VP of Operations, has recently taken on two new roles that reflect her commitment to industry advancement and community leadership.
As Director of Sponsorship for the Minnesota Chapter of Women in Manufacturing (WiM), she works to strengthen connections with local manufacturers and support initiatives that promote diversity in the field.
She also joined the Strategic Planning Committee for the Plant People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI), contributing to the development of actionable strategies focused on education, training, and community engagement.
These roles extend Life Floor’s reach beyond the aquatic industry, reinforcing our belief that better design begins with inclusive leadership and strong community roots.
Partnering with Industry Leaders
We are proud to be actively involved in a wide range of associations that support and elevate the aquatic and recreation industries. These include:
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA)
Women in Manufacturing (WiM)
Regional organizations like Florida Recreation + Park Association (FRPA), Illinois Park + Recreation Association (IPRA), and Missouri Park + Recreation Association (MRPA)
Each of these organizations plays a vital role in shaping the future of public recreation, from refining safety standards to enhancing guest experiences.
A Global Perspective on Aquatics
Our Australian team adds an important international voice to our work, engaging with organizations like:
By participating in region-specific discussions, we can adapt our products and designs to meet the diverse needs, climates, and regulatory environments of different regions around the world.
Working Together for a Safer, Smarter Future
As the aquatic industry evolves through new technologies, guest expectations, and safety standards, collaboration across sectors is more important than ever. Our ongoing involvement with professional organizations, certification programs, and strategic partnerships ensures that we stay ahead of the curve while remaining deeply connected to the people who use and operate aquatic spaces every day.
We’re proud to contribute to the growth of this industry, and even prouder to stand alongside the experts, advocates, and professionals who are shaping its future.
Want to learn more about how we collaborate across the industry to build safer, smarter aquatic spaces? Explore our work at www.lifefloor.com or connect with us to start the conversation.