Hussein A. Baydoun
Operations Manager
Aqua Park Qatar
Doha, Qatar - UAE
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," March 2016
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I graduated from University with a bachelor’s of science degree in business management. I was interested in both waterparks and resorts, so I started working in Lebanon as a Lifeguard Team Leader at Waves Aqua Park. While working there, I expended my knowledge in water safety, team training, customer service and leadership. Then, I got another job offer at the American University of Beirut, where I worked as a swimming instructor and lifeguard supervisor for two consecutive years. After this position, I got the chance to move to Bahrain where I worked for three years as an assistant manager in one of the area’s most prominent waterparks, The Lost Paradise of Dilmun. Then, I received an offer to work as an Operation Manager for Aqua Park Qatar, which is my current position.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a certified Lifeguard Instructor with YMCA; I have a Health & Safety certificate from ISO, a Lifeguard certificate from the Ministry of Tourism and a Food Safety certificate from ISO.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I received my AFO certification at the WWA Show in 2015.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
It’s one of my hobbies & I like to be part of it.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
One of my favorite job aspects is performing daily routing for checkups with lifeguards, listening to their complaints and problems and finding solutions when possible.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My first swimming coach inspired me and was the main reason behind my success. I would love to mention two people who taught me a lot during my professional career and introduced me to this field when I was still young: Mr. Osman Kassem & Mr. Nazir Marouche. I also would not want to forget my training partner, Rabih Bakkar, who still trains with me today. They all taught me not to give up and to be consistent, work harder and to be very strict about everything that concerns the safety of swimmers, as well as swimming techniques.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
It is always challenging improving the high standard of safety within the park. Another challenge is providing perfect service for our customers.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I try to be responsible and stay well organized with all my tasks. I do a lot of research about what other parks are doing in order to stay up to date with any new training. I also try to follow up on any new attractions.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
I would advise someone to be motivated and well trained. They need to know the rules and regulations well and have passion toward this field in order to find success and improve.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
More often than reading books, I depend a lot on online research and updates and work hard to apply this information where I work. I search for things related to waterparks and also updates on seminars and conferences as well as workshops related to my job.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
The training sessions I prepare for the lifeguards, my daily inspections in the park and the high standard of safety we can reach are a few favorites.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I love my job and wouldn’t replace it now. After my experience working in waterparks, I aim for being better and growing in this field.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
My park, which is a member of WWA, sent me to attend WWA’s Middle East Symposium in April 2015.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I am an excellent cook. I cook everything, but I especially like to cook things related to Italian food, like pastas and Lebanese Mezza. In addition, I like to bake croissants and Lebanese dough with cheese or thyme.
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