Robert Cairy
Operations Coordinator
City of Dallas/Bahama Beach Waterpark
Dallas, Texas - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," December 2015
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I studied exercise sciences and communication studies in college at Texas Tech University! As for professional experience, I started working as a lifeguard at NRH20 Family Water Park in 2004. In 2010, I took a position with Jeff Ellis & Associates as a National Staff Auditor and continued until late 2012 where I took a position as an Aquatics Manager with Great Wolf Resorts in Grapevine, Texas. In 2013, I was offered a position with the City of Dallas as an Operations Coordinator at our city-owned waterpark.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have the following certifications and licenses: E&A ILTP® Instructor Trainer / Associate, ECSI® Instructor Trainer, ARC Lifeguard, CPO® and ServSafe® Food Protection Manager.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I have received multiple Wave Review Awards for Bahama Beach Waterpark from WWA. The park received a Jeff Ellis & Associates Platinum Aquatic Safety Award in 2014, as well as an outstanding Promotions Award from the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I have always loved being in and around the water. So when my parents encouraged me to get a job when I was 16, I thought it would be cool to be a lifeguard at a waterpark. I have been hooked ever since!
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I like the fact that we are a big family. Many of us are competitors yet we are all so willing to share what works for our facilities and staff. I don’t know of any other industry where such collaboration takes place to benefit all of our facilities and to ensure that we uphold the mission of zero drownings.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
There have been two individuals who have inspired me in my career. Those individuals are Frank Perez (NRH20) and Vera Solis (City of College Station). These two individuals have both shaped who I am as an operator and an individual. I know that if I have a question, I can always count on them to help me find the way. They have both been there with me through my IT process with E&A and have always provided feedback to become a better instructor and operator.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
The greatest challenge in my career was taking my current position with the City of Dallas and managing an aquatics team who were not always on the right path. It took dedication from the entire team and I can honestly say I have the best staff in the country and I wouldn’t trade them for the world!
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I am very motivated by my staff! It is very rewarding when they are successful and perform to the best of their abilities. I try to stay focused by setting goals and deadlines for my staff and myself.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
I would tell them to put their time in and take any opportunity to learn something new. I encourage any and all staff who are interested in a career in the waterpark industry to branch out to become a well-rounded operator.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I rely on anything that can give me insight on how to be a better manager and instructor. Some books I have read are “Myth of Employee Burnout” by Matt Heller, “Love Works” by Joel Manby and “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
This is something I tell my staff quite frequently. I love coming into work and seeing all of my staff. I think it’s quite an honor to get to be a first supervisor for many of them and be able to instill life skills for their future.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
In college I completed an internship in cardiac rehab, so I would probably be an Exercise Physiologist.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I first got involved with WWA in 2011 when I attended the show in New Orleans and have stayed a member ever since.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I operate the only inner-city waterpark in the United States and I wouldn’t change it for anything! .