Tiffany Tuleck
Waterpark Manager
Cedar Fair's Knott's Soak City
Buena Park, California - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, October/November 2021
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have been in the aquatics/amusement industry for 20 years. I started as a ride operator, then transferred to a lifeguard position. I have never looked back. I have experience working in amusement parks, rides, food, guest services, park services, swim lessons, summer camp programs and, of course, waterpark operations.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have been a lifeguard for 20 years, lifeguard in- structor for 14 years and an Instructor Trainer for 6 years, all with various agencies. I have been a Swim Program Director for Starfish Swimming and Jeff Ellis Swimming; I am a certified Aquatic Facility Operator; I have been ESCI and ASHI Instructors; and I have a Food Manager Certification. I am also certified in FEMA100, FEMA 700 and SEMS.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I received the Kiwanis Employee of the Quarter award. My facilities have been recognized with: Best Lifeguard Management in 2014 from
Aquatics International, Decade of Excellence Award from Ellis & Associates, ELITE rating safety award 2014-2017 through StarGuard ELITE and a SWIM! Award for employee motivation & recognition programs from WWA.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I laugh at this question, but it was a boy that convinced me to become a lifeguard. It’s drive and passion that keep me here.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Hands down, it’s making people happy! I absolutely love that I have an opportunity to make people happy every day. Second is providing leadership opportunities to my staff and keeping them on their toes.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
One of my favorite mentors has been Natalie Livingston with her creative approach. She is always thinking outside the box—from implementing safety in the park to how the associates have fun coming to work each day.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Staffing challenges and keeping hip with the new trends.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I’m naturally a very motivated person. If I start to feel like I am becoming an uninspiring mentor, then I start pushing my team through creative approaches to ensure the mundane items can become fun and exciting again. I also think having like-minded friends to help drive my creativity helps too.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Buy good shoes! Seriously though, working at a waterpark is a lot of fun but you have to stay focused on safety and you have to be able to execute in order to have a successful operation.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I really enjoy following ALIVE Solutions to help me keep my staff motivated and on their feet. Their leadership tidbits, in-service ideas and big picture thinking helps me stay focused so I can help keep my staff constantly thinking of ways they can stay one step ahead.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
The idea that I can be an influence on the young lifeguards’ lives. After my first season as a lifeguard, I had the confidence that I can do anything. I try my hardest to be that same influence on my staff.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I used to think I’d be a great B-list Hollywood actress but being in the industry for so long I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
The last facility that I worked for would send our team to attend each year.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
That I have been on “The Price Is Right” but was out bid by a $1! However, I got a 10-pound Hershey chocolate bar, an embroider machine, a Tim Horton Coffee pot and, of course, a chance of a lifetime out of it!.