Addison Zimmer
Aquatics Manager
Zoombezi Bay
Powell, Ohio - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, September 2021
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I am currently still attending school in pursuit of a degree in business management from The Ohio State University. My professional experience just began as I recently took on the role and responsibilities of Aquatics Manager at Zoombezi Bay.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I currently am in possession of a CPO certification and have my Lifeguard Instructor license through Ellis & Associates.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
None yet in the professional business. However, one of my biggest goals as manager is for Zoombezi Bay to earn the Platinum Ellis Safety award.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
My journey in this field began in 2016 as a 16-year-old lifeguard. Since then I have slowly made my way up through the organization, and I accepted the role of manager this past winter. It has been a very humbling experience to take on the manager role with the same organization that began my career.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The opportunity to work not only outside, but in the middle of a waterpark is my favorite part of this industry. I often find myself next to a slide tower or a pool and look around and remember how awesome it is to work in an industry built around fun.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My father has been the biggest inspiration for my career. I would not be in the place I am today without his teachings. I work as hard as I do to reflect everything he has taught me.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
The biggest challenge I have faced in my career is dealing with difficult guests that enter the park. There are times when some guests come out with comments that are shocking to hear, to say the least. Finding an appropriate response, that also satisfies them, is a challenge each year.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
There are a few pictures I keep on my desk of future goals that I want to obtain. Whenever I find myself struggling to stay focused, I look at these pictures to help remind myself that the work I put in today will have a direct impact on me obtaining these goals in the future.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Safety is obviously the number one priority of any waterpark. Past that, something that I have learned is that a park is what you make of it. Take advantage of the fun that surrounds this industry, while still having your main focus set on safety.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
Every morning when I wake up, I listen to a new motivational speech that I find on YouTube the night before. This helps me come into work with a focused attitude and determination to tackle whatever task is placed in front of me for that day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
The opportunity to work with a staff of 200+ lifeguards is my favorite part of my job. Being able to see the growth in each employee, especially in those who are starting up their first jobs, is very rewarding. This is not only just for myself, but also our leadership team who works so closely with them.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If I could start all over again, I would love to somehow be a part of the boating industry. There’s something about being on a boat that doesn’t re- late to anything else and I would love to explore the field more.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
The previous manager of Zoombezi talked to me about the WWA and I just recently became involved this past winter. I hope to get more involved as I continue my career within the industry.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOU T YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
As much as I love the water, I have an irrational fear of the ocean. There is no reasoning behind it, but it is by far my biggest fear.