We’re thrilled to announce that at the conclusion of the 2024 season, our waterpark received the Gold International Aquatic Safety Award from Jeff Ellis & Associates—the organization that provides our lifeguard training, certification, and operational support. As a global leader in the aquatics industry, Ellis & Associates partners with over 800 aquatic facilities across 40 countries worldwide.
Receiving this Gold Safety Award is a significant achievement for our Aquatics team. It signifies that our operations meet the highest standards of safety and should give our guests peace of mind knowing that we are well-prepared to respond to emergencies. At our core, guest safety is our top priority.
In addition to this recognition, we’re incredibly proud to share that one of our lifeguards, Allie Bragg, was named a Golden Guard by Jeff Ellis & Associates. This prestigious honor is awarded to only a small percentage of the tens of thousands of E&A-certified lifeguards around the world.
Allie earned this recognition after being observed by an E&A International Staff Auditor and consistently exceeding the 10/20 Protection® scanning standards. She also demonstrated outstanding professionalism, rescue readiness, environmental awareness, and served as a role model for lifeguard expectations. The auditor was so impressed, they described her performance as one that made them go, “Wow!”
Beyond her technical skills, Allie was also noted for her positive guest interactions and her support of fellow team members—all contributing to our shared mission of maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
According to our General Manager, Soaky Dave:
“Allie gives 110% during every shift. She truly represents the epitome of lifeguarding excellence and professionalism—and serves as an exemplar for current and future lifeguards, both at Soaky and around the world!”
Since Soaky opened in 2020, all of our Aquatics team have completed Jeff Ellis & Associates’ award-winning education and training programs to become licensed lifeguards. Each team member undergoes comprehensive lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR/AED certification before being cleared for duty. Certifications are valid for one year, after which recertification is required. Additionally, all lifeguards participate in monthly in-service training led by our in-house Aquatics Department—certified instructors through Jeff Ellis & Associates.
Congratulations to our entire Aquatics team for this outstanding recognition and for continuing to prioritize the safety and well-being of our guests every single day!