Jamie Henderson
Parks Manager
Charleston County Parks
Charleston, South Carolina - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, February 2024
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I am a College of Charleston graduate with a degree in Corporate Communications with a mi- nor in Hospitality and Tourism Management. I have worked for Charleston County Parks since high school and have been a full-time manager for 13 years. I first entered the waterpark profession managing our food and beverage operations and then later moved into guest services and aquatic safety.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a StarGuard Instructor - Level III, StarFish swim instructor trainer, EMT, PHTA Certified Pool Operator, NRPA Aquatic Facility Operator and Certified Park and Recreation Professional.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
While managing Splash Zone Waterpark, our team received nine 5-star audits over the course of 3 summers. This means we received perfect scores from StarGuard, our governing risk prevention agency, on every visit. I was very proud of the safe environment we provided and continue to provide our guests
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I started on the operations side of things as a teenager, and to become a supervisor, one of the requirements was to be a certified lifeguard. Once I got my lifeguard certification, I kept moving forward with additional training and acquired my lifeguard instructor certification as well as my water safety instructor certification and taught lifeguard classes and swim lessons throughout high school and college.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The evolution of training. Throughout my career I have seen training go from very basic lifesaving skills to a more realistic and applicable approach, including the advancement in technology to show accuracy in performance of skills.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Throughout my time at Charleston County Parks, I have had the opportunity to be around many great people. Selecting only one would be very difficult, because I have learned from all of them.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GRE ATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Most recently, the greatest challenge has been hiring and recruiting new staff.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
The mission of the facility I am currently managing is to teach children in rural areas how to swim. Seeing the cultural shift in the community over the last few years is incredibly inspiring and pushes me to keep that momentum going. I am also motivated by seeing and helping to bring the next generation of staff into the waterpark industry.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Go all in! Join the local, regional, and national associations that pertain to the field. That is where you are going to meet some great colleagues, learn some new tips and tricks and get ahead of trends. Attending educational opportunities such as the WWA Show in Las Vegas this year is another great way to jump start your experience.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
Really anything related to new or innovative ideas and experiences.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Interacting with the staff! Over the years, I have supervised and mentored hundreds of kids and am so proud of what they have accomplished. Among those, some are now teachers, nurses, lawyers, firefighters, EMT’s and even a couple that are now working alongside me at CCPRC.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I love to cook and entertain! If I had to start all over again, I would go to culinary school and open a bed & breakfast.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
CCPRC has been involved with the WWA for many years and we appreciate the information that is provided through the annual conference, workshops, and the magazine. Like many others, working at CCPRC provided me the opportunity to learn about the WWA early in my career.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I really love gardening! My favorite plants are always found on the clearance rack because I know I can give them a better home and a chance to live their best lives. •