Brenden Lennon
Aquatics Manager
Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," October/November 2019
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree, majoring in outdoor recreation and minoring in leadership studies.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
Currently, I am certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer and Certified Pool Operator through the National Swimming Pool Foundation. I am also a Certified Wilderness First Responder through Wilderness Medical Associates International.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I received a 5 years of service award through the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
My first experience in the waterpark industry began at SeaWorld as part of their domestic internship program in 2007. I returned to the program in 2008 and 2009, having developed an appreciation for the Aquatics field while working as a lifeguard at Discovery Cove. It became my personal goal to learn everything about the industry and was the beginning of my journey into the waterpark field.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I enjoy introducing people from all backgrounds and walks of life to the safety aspects of the waterpark industry. I enjoy training others how to respond to emergencies along with teach- ing them quality guest service skills they will use in any professional field they choose to pursue.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Working at SeaWorld in college, I was constantly surrounded by managers who had a clear investment in what I learned during my time in the internship program. Their dedication to guest service and attention to safety for both guests and crew members was something I strive to instill in all my team members as a manager in the field today.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
The greatest challenge in my career has been balancing the three areas of park operations, as I quantify them: team member development, park/ ride maintenance and park/ride development. If these areas are developed over time, you are set- ting other areas of your facility up for success. Another challenge that is equally difficult is staying up-to-date on industry trends.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
The enjoyment I get from observing guests and team members makes me strive to keep the laughs, smiles and appreciation going each and every day. Watching how our waterpark attractions continue to develop and grow drives me to learn more.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
I would tell anyone looking to enter or remain in the waterpark industry to learn as much as you can about all aspects of all waterpark operations. Developing an understanding and appreciation for how everything fits together will make any individual task you tackle that much easier to accomplish.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I consistently read industry magazines in an effort to keep up with the latest industry trends and practices.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Conducting lifeguard training is my favorite part of my job. To teach people water rescue skills and how to react when emergencies happen is imparting a skill that, to me, will be valuable to any individual no matter where life takes them.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If given the opportunity to start over again, I would consider a career in the field of economics.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I first attended the WWA Show in 2013 in West Palm Beach, Florida as a Lifeguard Supervisor. Attending the show afforded me the opportunity to meet other professionals in the industry and develop a better understanding of what is possible in the waterpark industry.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I was a very difficult student when I went through swim lessons as a child. I have been told that had I not had the dedicated swim instructor teaching my class that I was fortunate enough to have, I may not have become the avid swimmer that I am today.
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