Brandon Culmer
Operations Manager
Baha Bay at Baha Mar
Nassau - The Bahamas
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, June 2022
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I graduated high school in 2003 from Eight Mile Rock High School in Freeport, Grand Bahamas. After graduation, I moved to Nassau, Bahamas and got ASE-certified as a small engine mechanic. I then worked at a small repair shop but felt like I wanted to do more. In 2007, I started working at Atlantis Resort as a lifeguard level #3 (Attractions guard), and quickly moved up the ranks to a level #2 (Pool guard) then a level #1 (Beach guard). A short time after I was chosen to become a lifeguard instructor in the training department, and I headed that department for a time and later was promoted to an Assistant Manager of Operations. In 2017, again feeling like I needed to do more, I took a job at the competing Baha Mar Resort as the Lifeguard Manager to start the lifeguard pro- gram there and was successful. I managed around 60 lifeguards and 5 supervisors from 2017 to 2021 when the new Baha Bay Waterpark was added to my responsibilities. Now I manage around 160 lifeguards, 9 supervisors and 3 assistant managers.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a Starfish Aquatics Institute IAM StarGuard ELITE Lifeguard Instructor (Level #2/12 feet or more) and a Starfish Aquatics Institute StarGuard ELITE Lifeguard (12 feet or more). I hold certifications in American Safety & Health Institute Basic First Aid, American Safety & Health Institute Bloodborne Pathogens, American Safety & Health Institute CPR Pro for the Professional Rescuer and American Safety & Health Institute Emergency Oxygen.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
It started off as me wanting to expand my knowledge and has grown into a passion for me.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I enjoy interacting with guests from around the world and hearing their stories and ensuring that their waterpark experience is elevated at Baha Bay.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My wife inspires me to be the best I can be in whatever I do. I push hard for her. She supports me entirely.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Opening Baha Bay was the greatest challenge in my career currently. In a month’s time, I went from managing around 60 people to now managing around 160 people. I had to balance these additional responsibilities along with all that comes with opening a brand new waterpark.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
My family keeps me focused and motivated. They depend on me, and I never want to let them down.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Get your sunscreen and sunglasses ready! Also keep an open mind and stay flexible because this industry has a lot that goes into it to make it a successful one. Lastly hire the right people.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I have enjoyed reading
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey;
Dare To Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations.
Whole Heart. by Brene Brown; and
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Testing attractions definitely!
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I would think about owning my own repair shop.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
Melissa Lockwood invited me to be a part of a couple WWA’s Webinar Wednesday programs last year.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I can repair anything: electronics, vehicles, appliances, etc. •