Aquatics International | Waterparks + Resorts

WATERPARKS + RESORTS

Techno-invasion
Technology is transforming waterparks. Here’s how.

All Systems Go

How to deliver a stronger interactive Web experience.

Hawaiian Adventures

History meets modern Disney magic at Aulani.

Show & Tell

Check out hot attractions for 2012.

Rewarding Loyalty

Take good care of your season pass holders.

Sweet Dreams

View Dream Island, a new indoor waterpark in Ukraine.

Put on a Show

Aqua-tainment can add value to your waterpark.

FEATURED CONTENT

Trends & Ideas • Restorative extras can enhance the power of your water and keep guests coming back for more. • Check out the next wave of waterpark attractions. • Thriving in today’s financial market means understanding its driving forces — and how to make them work for you. • Protecting the planet isn’t just a fad. Here’s why experts say the resort industry’s green movement is here to stay.		Design • Mixed-use developments are generating positive returns. • Heat-recovery units vs. dehumidification? • Indoor waterpark operators need to take care to maintain guest comfort. • Designing your waterpark resort as a whole means increased efficiency.

Facility Operations • Is it time for your facility to change the menu? • Best practice strategies for maintaining your waterpark. • AI University: Facility operations course.		Business • Three ways to amp up the style, originality and value of your brand. • Using fans to reduce energy use — and save money. • Tools to make your online marketing campaigns successful in traffic and revenue. • What’s good for the Earth can be great for the bottom line.

Project Profiles • An aviation theme takes this facility to new heights. • A Turkish resort brings a waterpark to the woods. • This rooftop pool complex is a model of modern engineering. • Canada’s largest theme waterpark debuts. • A New York ski haven has become an aquatic paradise. • A Texas waterpark operator is bringing big fun and tourist dollars to the Midwest.		Technology • How one facility dealt with poor indoor air quality. • With the interactivity of the Web comes the risk involved with free speech: guest critiques.

TALKING POINTS

• AI Connect member Nick Bacon of Clarkston, Wash., asks: Do you provide lifeguards for private functions such as backyard pool parties?

“Any decision to serve [outside] environments should be carefully evaluated by your legal department and insurance company. The chief liabilities for facilities pertain to meeting the standard of care and meeting equal-opportunity employment obligations ... Lifeguards must have all appropriate resources to deliver the standard of care expected of their position. They need to be able to do their jobs in all locations and situations they are assigned to do it. ... Otherwise, the message to everyone is that those things are not essential to the job. Even worse, as perhaps the only aquatics expert in your organization, you are then knowingly operating outside of the guidelines of your training organization or governing body. That, among other things, exposes you to external liability.”
— AI Connect member Stephe McCormick, St. Louis, Mo.

TIPS & TIDBITS

• Review all your signage early so that you have enough time to arrange for any replacements before the summer rush. One new warning to consider is “no prolonged breath-holding.” Also remind guards to watch for any dangerous breath-holding activities.
— Tom Griffiths, founder, Aquatic Safety Research Group

• With limited budgets in this economy, trade for advertising (print, radio, television, etc.) and events for your team member parties, where available.
— Stephanie Hee, marketing specialist, NRH2O Family Water Park

• To help ease new guards into their roles, try scheduling an equal amount of new and returning guards. On rotations, make sure that you alternate each position so ... new employees are sandwiched between returning staff who are familiar with your operation. These [veterans] are critical in helping new guards feel confident enforcing rules, helping guests in distress and understanding the scope of their jobs.
— Kevin Rowland, manager, Whirlin’ Waters

• Plan a “dress rehearsal” day and invite family members of employees and vendor partners so you can test all parts of your operation before you open to the public.
— Franceen Gonzales, vice president, risk management, Great Wolf Resorts