Vincent Ibarra
Director of Aquatics
Splashway Family Waterpark & Campground
Sheridan, Texas - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, October/November 2024
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
After graduating from high school in 2020, I began my career as the Assistant Aquatics Director at Splashway Waterpark and Campgrounds. Prior to that, I gained valuable experience at Splashtown, where I served as a Team Lead and Supervisor in the lifeguard department. As of 2024, I’m proud to be the Director of Aquatics at Splashway, where I look over the onboarding and training of all of our lifeguards and slide attendants.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I earned my Aquatic Facility Operator certification in 2020 and became an Instructor Trainer with StarGuard Elite in 2024. This has helped me get and keep my team as prepared as possible for any situation during our operating season.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
During our transition from NASCO to StarGuard Elite, I played a crucial role helping our facility achieve exceptional safety standards, professionalism among our staff, and top-notch risk management practices. These efforts have helped my team to earn multiple 4-star audits and our first 5-star audit in 2024. The success of my aquatics program was instrumental in our facility being named USA Today’s #1 Outdoor Waterpark in 2024 and being voted Houston’s Best of the Best in multiple categories including: Best Family Amusement, Best Family Night Out, and Best Waterpark.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
My mother was a the general manager at Splashtown in San Antonio, Texas. I spent many summers and off-seasons there, swimming and watching the ins and outs of waterpark operations. I was intrigued by the controlled chaos of the waterpark and captivated with providing a guest experience that families would remember. Over time, I had found a passion for water safety and the guest experience.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Aquatic operations is what I enjoy most about the industry. From my perspective, the aquatics department is vital in creating the “WOW!” experience for guests as they get to enjoy our facilities. I’ve developed a passion for teaching our future staff the importance of water safety and professionalism.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I’ve been fortunate to have many exceptional role models and mentors throughout my career, including Lisa Ibarra, Carl Blahuta, Troy Spring, and many other family members at Splashway Waterpark. Having such a supportive group of individuals behind me has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, overcome challenges with confidence, and achieve goals I never thought possible. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping the leader I am today, and I strive to pay it forward by supporting and mentoring others in my team.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
In my waterpark career, I’ve endured many challenges, with the biggest being the decision to move away from my hometown at 19 to seize an opportunity at Splashway. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone and being apart from family and longtime friends to advance my career as an operator. I was able to build my own foundation and grow into the important role I hold to- day. This experience is a pivotal reminder to me that being uncomfortable shouldn’t keep me away from opportunities.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I stay focused by setting goals that ensure my team operates at their best. It motivates me to see my team achieve their goals and to see younger staff members applying the skills and knowledge I’ve conveyed in their real-life situations. My goal is for the lessons I teach to stick with them, not only through their first summer job, but also throughout many other experiences in their careers.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
A common misconception about the waterpark industry is that it’s just a seasonal job for high schoolers with little room for growth. However, when you look closer, you’ll discover the many moving parts that are essential to a waterpark’s success. My advice is, if you enjoy working at a waterpark, go for it! Opportunities are everywhere for all types of career paths, and the industry is only going to keep growing!
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
“Fans First” by Jesse Cole, the owner of the Savannah Bananas, continues to inspire both the Splashway team and myself. Jesse shares strategies and principles that define his approach to success. I relate to his belief that there are unconventional ways to create memorable experiences for our guests, especially in the competitive industry we’re in!
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
Growing up, I was interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, but somehow I ventured off that career path for a more exciting career!
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
In 2021, I attended my first WWA conference in San Antonio as a volunteer, hoping to make connections and explore different opportunities. I sat in some really interesting sessions with park owners and operators and realized there was so much more to the industry! This was a moment in my career where I felt a spark of inspiration and a deep sense of excitement about my future in the industry. This experience fueled my passion and motivated me to push beyond my current role, knowing there was so much more to learn and accomplish. Every year I’ve attended since, I get that same spark and sense of excitement!
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
When I’m not in the waterpark, I enjoy cooking. Growing up I wasn’t much of a cook, but now that I live on my own with my significant other and two cats, I have fun trying new recipes! •