Francis Vidal
Director of Health, Safety & Environment
Palace-Raging Waters
San Dimas, California - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, October/November 2023
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have been in the waterpark industry since I started working and really never looked back. It has been almost 20 years in aquatics and waterparks!
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am an Ellis & Associates Instructor Trainer as well as a PHTA Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
My favorite honor is from when I was a lifeguard. I was 18 years old, and I will never forget it because it was the very first time that I ever felt truly recognized. I was young and still figuring out who I was as a human. During one of our audits, I was given E&A’s Golden Guard award by one of their National Staff Auditors. Not only was this of great surprise to me, but it was something that was celebrated by my leaders at the park as well. I thought I was “just a lifeguard” at the time, and so I never expected that sort of attention and it made me feel appreciated for all the reasons that mattered most to me. I even got a letter from the CEO the following day. Being recognized in this way sparked a lifelong passion of doing the right thing, to the best of my ability, and trusting that I am on the right path. It showed me as a future leader how impactful it is to celebrate others and I will forever be grateful for it.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
My career started like so many others in operations. I started at 17, as a lifeguard working at my local waterpark. However I can pinpoint the exact moment that the doorway to opportunities opened for me. As a child, I grew up with little stability in my home and unfortunate circumstances financially. I did not know how to swim, and really was just afraid and uncomfortable in the water. In high school, I had a teacher, my freshman year, who was also the Head Swim Coach. Somehow, he convinced me to join the swim team, as an awkward teenager who didn’t know how to swim. Believe me, my mother made sure to point this out to me, although she absolutely supported me. By my senior year, I had long since learned to swim and tread, and the waterpark was sending recruiting letters to my team. The rest is history. I sent a letter to my coach when I was in the airport flying to my first non-seasonal management position years later. Thank you, Coach Cain, for pushing me to take the leap and learn a skill that would provide me with the best career.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
When I talk to my friends about work, I have the best stories. No shade to the cubicle workers, but give me sunshine and fun any day!
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
There have been so many inspiring people in my career who have guided and helped me in some way. However, as much as he hates the attention sometimes, Cody Butcher has been my biggest mentor. I worked directly with Cody at Great Wolf Lodge for many years. My greatest motivator has been doing the right thing, and Cody has always been a person who leads with integrity and authenticity. Plus, he lets me give him a hard time about his plaid shirts and “dad shoes”.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
The park will always take everything we are willing to give, especially time. Often, the words work- life balance get thrown out as something to strive for, but it often feels near impossible to reach. I want to be there for my team and for my family. I love both and I never want to let either down!
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Giving back through leadership development and recognizing others. It helped me and it allows me to pay it forward.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. We have so many incredible leaders in our industry, so ask them what you can personally develop in your skillset to be successful. Ask why things are done the way they are done.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLIC ATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
World Waterpark Magazine obviously. I enjoyed “How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question” by Michael Schur.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
There is never a dull moment. I make safety fun! I also love getting to see the successes of others that I got to be a part of. There is great honor in being a part of someone else’s story. That will never get old for me and I truly feel it is the most magical part of our industry.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
A billionaire. If that is not available, then I suppose I might look into law and public service.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
My first involvement was getting to attend the WWA Show in Las Vegas. It was a blast! I learned so much and I was able to meet many talented and smart people.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I have been known to cry with pure joy at the opportunity to pet/feed goats. I love them. Especially ones that scream.•