Member Spotlight

Glyn Jones

Assistant Operations Manager 
Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain/Majid Al Futtaim
Manama, Bahrain - UAE

Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," February 2017

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I have achieved a higher national diploma in sports, business and exercise science with Nottingham Trent University.  I have worked within the leisure industry for the past 20 years, starting at my local leisure center in the UK, to Aramco compound leisure facilities in Saudi Arabia.  I currently work at Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain, where I have been for the past 6 years. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I hold a RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Trainer and Assessor Qualification, NRATAC Instructor/ Assessor, CIMSPA Pool Plant Operators Qualification, IOSH Health and Safety certificate and I am a SAFE child safeguarding trainer. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain recently scored 100 percent from our external RLSS audit. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO IN TO THIS FIELD? 
I have always been a keen swimmer since a young age.  At age 16 I completed my bronze medallion while training with South Worcester Lifeguarding Club and competed in two national lifeguard competitions.  I joined Malvern Splash Leisure Centre as a part-time lifeguard while I was studying. 

WHAT ASPEC T OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
I love working with such a diverse mix of people all who share the same goal of creating great experiences for every guest. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
There have been numerous people that I have encountered throughout my career that have influenced and motivated me to become a better manager.  My first General Manager, Graeme MacLennan, ignited my passion and drive for the industry.  More recently Jamie Charlesworth, my previous General Manager at Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain, has also played a huge part within my development.  With his wealth of knowledge of the industry and constant support to drive and challenge myself, he has made me the manager I am today. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE 
GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
I have been working outside of the UK for over 11 years in different countries. Currently, working within the Middle East has been both my greatest challenge and achievement. Culturally, it is very different than the UK, but also being away from your loved ones can be really hard. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
I would say I am quite a self-motivated person and always aspiring to better myself. My main drive and focus are on my colleagues’ and peers’ development.  When they achieve something, I feel I have too. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
If you have passion, drive and a lot of energy, it is one of the most rewarding industries to work in.  Always make your ultimate goal be every guest leaves your facility with a smile on their face and an experience to remember. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
I would say I’ve not read many books on either as I find the best inspiration and motivation comes from the people you work with. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
Arriving to work and as soon as you walk through the front doors feeling the buzz of energy from within the waterpark.  Beaming smiles, the laughs, the screams of excitement, it just puts a spring into your step and a beat in your heart. 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
I really can’t think of any other industry I’d rather be in.  Leisure is all I eat, breathe and sleep. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I became familiar with WWA when I came to Bahrain 6 years ago.  I’ve attended the Middle East Symposium in Dubai on a couple of occasions and found the experience to be a real eye opener.  It’s such a great opportunity to network and get to know other waterpark professionals in the region.  It’s also a chance to come together as one to address industry and worldwide issues. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
When I was 18 years old, I worked at the 4-H Camp on Long Island, N.Y., for the summer as a swimming instructor and camp counselor before heading back to the UK to start university.