Indoor waterparks have many unique features in design that require special attention when operating. The indoor environment presents a comfortable, stable environment where guests and employees spend extended periods of time. Indoor air and water quality maintenance has demanded a paradigm shift in operations. This session will focus on operating based on the design of indoor waterparks, what sets them apart from outdoor waterparks, and identify operational considerations for minimizing risks associated with this unique environment. Topics for discussion include staff selection, lifeguarding considerations, guest education and communications, access control, water and air quality management, and employee environmental conditions. Attendees will learn what challenges exist for management, supervisory, and line staff and how to anticipate and plan for minimizing risk for staff and guests. Franceen Gonzales is the Corporate Director of Aquatics for Great Wolf Resorts of Madison, WI. GWR operates 9 indoor waterpark resorts in North America. Franceen fell in love with the industry while studying pre-medicine at Stanford University and worked her way through college in a variety of management roles at Wet’n Wild Waterworld in El Paso, TX. From 1997 to 2004, she worked with Golfland Entertainment Centers, Inc, based in Mesa, AZ, as the General Manager of Waterworld Safari and as their Corporate Director of Operations with a focus in risk management. In 2004, she moved to New Jersey as the Director of Hurricane Harbor for Six Flags Great Adventure, a 50 acre waterpark with 425,000 in attendance. Her experience ranges from sales and marketing to safety, maintenance, revenue, and operations. Franceen is a licensed Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Instructor Trainer, Certified Pool Operator, Aquatic Facility Operator, and Certified Food Manager. She serves the industry as the Chair of World Waterpark Association Board of Directors, chairs the ASTM F24.70 Subcommittee which writes safety standards for the amusement industry, is a member of IAAPA, and contributed to the IAF-9 standard for Aquatic Recreation Facilities. Her interests include international travel with her husband, Michael Turner, rock collecting, and wine tasting.
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