The team of more than 150 lifeguards at Magic Springs Theme & Water Park has earned the Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award from Ellis & Associates Inc., according to a news release.
International Aquatic Safety Awards are presented annually to participants in E&A's Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program and are based on the results of multiple random Unannounced Aquatic Facility Operational Safety Audits throughout the year, the release said.
"Recognized as the leader in aquatic safety at waterpark facilities, the E&A Team presented the 2018 Platinum Award to Magic Springs for providing the highest degree of swimmer protection currently available in the aquatic industry," it said.
"All E&A client facilities are top performers and represent the finest and safest aquatic facilities in the world. As such, it is of note when E&A facilities perform so well that they are granted an International Aquatic Safety Award. International Safety Awards are presented only to E&A's most elite clients. Presented in three levels -- Silver, Gold, and Platinum -- only the top 10 percent of E&A clients in the world receive a Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award each year," the release said.
Lifeguard Certification from Ellis & Associates includes health care provider level CPR, AED training, emergency oxygen administration training, and first aid, along with state-of-the-art rescue techniques.
To obtain certification, participants in the program must pass both written and hands-on tests. Participants, like Magic Springs, also receive unannounced audits from E&A. The mandatory audits ensure lifeguards are at their optimum performance level. These audits include undercover video surveillance of individual lifeguards while they protect their Zone of Protection areas, to accurately evaluate their professional diligence. Additionally, individual and team basic life support and rescue skills are evaluated, along with simulated emergencies that measure the effectiveness of established Emergency Action Plans. The audit concludes with administrative, supervisory and facility evaluations, the release said.
Assistant General Manager Jessyka Hanna oversees the Magic Springs Lifeguard Training Program. Brittany Cadle, manager of aquatics, attends the E&A conferences and trains the Magic Springs lifeguard staff.
"Both Hanna and Candle commend E&A as the front-runner in waterpark safety," the release said.
Entertainment on 10/18/2018