About OATI
Built by an aquatic professional, for aquatic professionals.
Our Story
Our Story
Ozarks Aquatic Training Institute was founded in 2026 by Paige Wichern — a lifelong aquatic professional with a passion for raising the standard of pool operator training across the Midwest.
Paige's journey in aquatics began at age 16 as a lifeguard. Through her 20s she became a lifeguard instructor and swim lesson instructor, with a brief stint as a competitive swimmer along the way.
In 2012, Paige and her husband Jared launched their own pool service, construction, and retail business, growing it to two locations over the years.
That hands-on experience — building and running a real aquatic business from the ground up — is the foundation of everything OATI teaches. Today, Paige channels that experience into training the next generation of pool professionals and advocating for stronger regulation and standards across the aquatic industry.
Paige Wichern
Founder & Lead Instructor
Paige brings over a decade of real-world aquatic business experience to every course she teaches. From lifeguard to business owner to instructor, she has lived every stage of a career in aquatics — and she brings that perspective into the classroom.
Credentials
Our Mission
Our Mission
To equip every pool operator with the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to run a safe, compliant, and professional aquatic facility — and to advocate for the industry standards that protect swimmers and staff alike.
Ready to Get Certified?
Join Paige and the growing community of OATI-trained pool professionals.
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