Member Spotlight

Darin Kuhnke

Aquatics Manager 
Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin - USA

Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," December 2016

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I attended the University of Wisconsin Whitewater where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health, human performance and recreation. I also have a minor degree in recreation leisure studies. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
Currently, I am a certified lifeguard instructor and instructor trainer through American Red Cross along with my lifeguarding certification through Red Cross. I also hold an Emergency Medical Responder certification through the National Safety Council (NSC) and First Aid/Professional Rescuer Instructor for NSC. I also have my CPO certification. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
My most memorable was in 2008 when I was a junior in college and the WIAC division III Indoor Track and Field conference champion in the Heptathlon. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
Pure luck! I was at a crossroads in college on which direction I wanted to take in pursuit of a degree. I originally began my college career with intentions of becoming a high school biology teacher. However, after a successful summer as a lifeguard supervisor, I decided to switch my major to better fit a waterpark resort atmosphere. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
Every day is different and brings new challenges to overcome, especially in a year-round operation. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
Three people come to mind: Patrick Finnegan, he was my first aquatics director and taught me integrity when I first became a supervisor; Robert Reynolds, who taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork and how to earn the respect of the peers you work with; and Dr. Fredrick Inter, who gave me my first shot at management and gave me the training necessary to be able to step in and successfully run waterpark operations and how to build a team to make the operation successful.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
Not taking on too much responsibility all at once. Sometimes I need to look at my job duties as a game of chess and decide if I were to take on additional responsibilities, what would I have to delegate to another team member. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
I lifeguard at a spot. Effective guarding requires you to clear your mind and focus on your area of responsibility. The gravity of guarding lives is humbling and ensures you never forget your roots.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
If you’re interested in a career in waterparks, realize a career is a long distance race not a sprint. Having patience is a must. And never stop learning. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
“World Waterpark Magazine” is usually my go to. When I read an article about someone I know in the industry, I think it’s interesting to follow up with them in person to expand on their article. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
The team I work with. They are the greatest group of waterpark professionals who have worked with me through the toughest seasons of a resort. We are here to support each other and make coming to work a great experience, even on the bad days. 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
I’d likely pursue something in the medical field. Caring for those who are in need is very rewarding to me. I’d likely consider trauma nurse or something along those lines. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I’ve read the publications since I learned of WWA’s existence back in 2007. But in 2014, I began to attend the WWA Member Meet Ups and have since provided some different topics of discussion to the table and brought area operators together to discuss the finer points of operating waterparks. I attended my first WWA Show in 2016 and I’m hopeful I will continue to attend. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I’m fascinated by nature. I am also an avid hunter, trapper and I’m starting to get into beekeeping. Having these skills sometimes also leads me to take care of unexpected animal rescues around the resort when animals wander into the parks.