Member Spotlight

Joey Baumer

Operations Manager
Coney Island, Sunlite Water Adventure
Cincinnati, Ohio - USA

Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," March 2019

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 

I have a bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University. I have held many positions here at Coney Island, each with their own challenges. These positions include: Lifeguard, Headguard, Lifeguard Supervisor and Pool Manager. I also served as the Aquatics Manager at Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I am a Certified Pool Operator through NSPF, and I hold a Lifeguard Instructor Cerificate through Jeff Ellis & Associates. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
I am an Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
Like many others, at age 16 I was looking for a summer job to fund my adolescent adventures. My family recommended that I work where my siblings had started, which was at the local waterpark. I was hesitant at first since I wasn’t the strongest of swimmers; but after one summer, I was addicted to the lifestyle. I also decided after my first year that I wanted to be able to help others in a similar capacity for the rest of my life. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
The employees are my favorite aspect of the industry. Seeing introverted 16-year-old employees grow into the future leaders of our communities and feeling like I assisted with their transformation is rewarding. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
I have been blessed to have had so many metors in my career of the waterpark industry, each helping me grow and develop into the person I am today. They include Michael Howard, Mark Moore and Rob Morrison. These respected industry leaders each have their own teaching and management methods, but they all set safety as a priority. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
So far the greatest challenge I have had to face and will continue to face is the constantly changing regulations imposed on the aquatics industry. It’s hard to stay ahead of the game with multiple entities changing how things are to be done almost annually. Granted, in general, these entities promote a safe practice. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
To stay focused and motivated I keep pictures of the park during operation scattered throughout the office. Seeing the smiling faces of guests and employees really gives me that push to keep going until I can experience summer again. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
The best advice I could give to someone looking to join our industry would be to take initiative, don’t feel that you must “stay in your lane” and always be on the look out for better ideas and programs that not only support you but help your company grow and promote a safer atmosphere for your guests. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
When looking for inspiration, I will thumb through Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. When I am seeking some extra motivation, I will pick up Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
Working at a seasonal facility, my favorite part of the job is the biannual change from being in and out of operation. It makes my position interesting by changing how I approach the day. I will never lose interest. 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
If I unfortunately had to start over and choose another career, I would have to be a teacher. I thoroughly enjoy providing instruction to others and as a bonus I would still have my summers free for me to enjoy the outdoors. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I first got involved with the WWA by attending a symposium as a volunteer. Shortly after, I was fortunate enough to be part of the WWA’s Safety Committee. Since then I have kept in touch with many of those people whom I have met through the networking opportunities that the WWA provides. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INERES TING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I can proficiently rap nursery rhymes.