Member Spotlight

Chris McCreary

Aquatics Director 
Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park/Triple Play Family Fun Park
Hayden, Idaho - USA

Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," January 2017

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I am a high school graduate and have completed some college. I also have 13 years of experience in Aquatics, teaching, coaching, etc. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I am a Starguard Instructor, EMT certified and Firefighter 1 certified. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
Triple Play Family Fun Park received the 2010 Brass Ring Award for Top FEC in the world. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
I had been teaching and lifeguarding for two years. During a relocation, I found a lifeguarding job at my current place of business. I worked my way up to where I am now. Everything about the waterpark industry just made sense to me, so I decided to stay in it. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
It is such a multi-faceted industry where you get experience in emergency response, customer service, safety, rides and attractions and, of course, the continuing progression of industry technology and knowledge. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
First and foremost, my family, who always encouraged me to follow my passion and supported me through my career. My general manager, Mike Murphy, has also been a source of inspiration and knowledge. Not only have I learned directly from him, but he has pushed me to learn from others in this industry. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
The battles of operating a year-round indoor waterpark with no off season that is open 365 days a year. From when to clean, to the higher output on equipment and, of course, staffing it can create a challenge. However, if it wasn’t a challenge, I wouldn’t keep doing it. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
I try to always remember what I am doing this for. This is so much bigger than a job and a paycheck. We in this industry get to interact with guests who are in our facilities to have fun. We owe it to them to ensure that they stay safe and have a smile on their face in the process. In the same respect, we have the opportunity to educate patrons on water safety as we go. I love when a guest comes back and tells me I made a difference in their trip. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
DIVE IN! Pun intended! This is such a great industry, with so many great people who have a wealth of knowledge. Come be a part of something amazing. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
Seeing growth happen. I mean growth in both the short term and the long term. By short term growth I mean seeing the child who was afraid of the waterslides at the start of the day, turn into the child who now you can’t get them off. By long term growth, I mean the employee who came to you for a summer job and left 2 years later with a wealth of knowledge, ready to conquer something great. 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
I would be a firefighter or nurse. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I went to my first show in 2014 in Las Vegas, and learned so much. I won’t miss another one! 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I used to teach water aerobics four days a week. It is so much harder than you actually think it is going to be!