Lauren Lowery
Operations Manager
Dollywood's Splash Country
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, July/August 2021
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I earned a B.S. degree from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in early childhood education with endorsements in middle grades and special education. I have been a teacher in Hamilton County schools in Tennessee, teaching kindergarten and first grade. Since 2011, I have been a lifeguard and in leadership at Dollywood’s Splash Country since 2013. Currently, I am the Operations Manager for Aquatics, TimeSaver H2O, the internship program at Dollywood’s Splash Country and the Aquatics department at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. The Dollywood Company has an Angel Tree Program that I volunteer for and organize every Christmas. I also serve on the Leadership Tomorrow Advisory Board for Sevier County, Tenn.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am an Ellis & Associates Instructor Trainer, a certified AIMS International Aquatics Operations Technician and a certified Aquatic Facility Operator.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECI AL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I have received The Dollywood Company Blue Ribbon Award. The waterpark was a recipient of the Ellis & Associates Platinum International Safety Award in 2016. DreamMore Resort & Spa received this same award in 2018.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Education has always been my passion. When I realized I could still be a part of the family and culture I have found at Dollywood’s Splash Country while utilizing my passion for teaching, I knew I had found the place in this industry where I belong.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
James Barrie once said, “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” Bringing joy to people and watching them smile is the best feeling. It’s the coolest thing ever to be able to say that my “job” is to make people laugh and to make them happy!
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I am fortunate to say I have had many awesome mentors and coaches during my time at Dollywood’s Splash Country. Janet Dawson has truly invested her time and energy into helping me navigate how to use my personality and passion to be effective in this industry. Kris Hull has been one of my greatest mentors since I began as a lifeguard. His experience in the industry has provided me with invaluable knowledge that I have been able to apply every day at work. Joe Eckman, Nashville Shores, has been a huge asset to me as I continue to grow and learn with Ellis & Associates. And finally, Jordan Leach, for always guiding me in the right direction and believing in me. These are just a few names that have truly made my experience as a waterpark operator possible and enjoyable.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
My greatest challenge in my waterpark career has been discovering and creating new ways to expand waterpark accessibility. I whole-heartedly believe that waterparks can be more accessible to our guests with disabilities than what we currently are, while still maintaining the importance of guest safety. I think that waterparks in general get overlooked by guests with disabilities because they think they can’t go upstairs or stand in line, when in reality, they can do so many other things at our property such as floating in the lazy river or splashing in the wave pool. I hope that we can continue to expand on accessibility within our industry in a safe way!
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I am motivated by challenges. As an Enneagram 8, (The Challenger) I like to challenge the status quo to better improve our industry for our guests and employees. One of the Dollywood Company core values is “To Constantly Improve.” This core value I hold close to my heart and it motivates me to be a better leader and steward of our company and industry.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
There is a sense of comradery within a waterpark that is unique to other industries. We not only bring joy to families, but we keep them safe. Those shared responsibilities and goals build a strong family-like team. I would also look for a company or park that will invest in you. The programs, conferences and trainings I have been exposed to through The Dollywood Company have been a huge investment in my personal growth.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey has truly helped shape me as a leader. Another book that I have read more than once is
The Path Between Us by Suzanna Stabile. This book has been instrumental in helping me be more introspective and understanding to personalities different from my own. It has given me insight and strategies on handling conflict, struggles and conversations with my family, friends and coworkers.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Teaching our staff and watching them grow into successful lifeguards is my favorite part of the job. After not seeing some of our staff all winter, it is inspiring to watch how much they grow and accomplish in just a few months. Our lifeguards develop confidence, initiative, compassion, dedication, focus and strong social skills in a very short time. These skills will carry them into their future careers and relationships. I can’t think of a better summer job!
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I would definitely go back to teaching in some form, maybe even a corporate trainer.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
My involvement with the WWA began early in my career as I wanted to explore the industry and learn from other properties. The WWA connects our properties by sharing challenges, and showcasing successes within our waterpark world.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I grew up on a river in Mobile, Alabama. Boating, swimming and sliding into the river were my favorite things to do as a kid. My little brother, 2 at the time, had unexpectedly fallen into the river as my family was playing in the yard. Fortunately, my mother was immediately nearby and able to get to him in plenty of time. At such a young age, I saw how quickly a drowning can happen. I try to be a community drowning awareness advocate where I live in Tennessee because we have so many rivers and lakes. My brother and I ended up lifeguarding and instructing together for nine years at Dollywood’s Splash Country. While I am extremely grateful our story ended up with a happy ending, for many families it doesn’t. Preventable drowning is a global issue and the fear of what could have happened that day motivates me to spread the word about water safety.