FOLEY — The water slides, lazy river and wave pool at Tropic Falls at OWA are meticulously watched over by countless lifeguards every day. For their efforts, the park was recently awarded the 2023 Silver International Aquatic Safety Award by Jeff Ellis & Associates.

The silver distinction is awarded to facilities that consistently exceed aquatic safety criteria for certification during a given year. The award was presented in May which is National Water Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of water safety and drowning prevention. Only 30% of Ellis & Associates’ accredited facilities earn this award.

“I am very proud of the dedication and commitment to safety that my staff has demonstrated in order to earn this recognition,” said Mike Neace, general manager of Tropic Falls at OWA. “Safety is our top priority and this award is a direct reflection of our team’s effort.”

In addition to lessons and training received before hiring, each lifeguard at Tropic Falls undergoes more than 25 hours of specialized training before their first day on the job as a lifeguard. They also dedicate at least four additional training hours each month toward this continuing education.

Ellis & Associates is an international aquatic safety and risk management consulting firm. They provide lifeguard training, aquatic risk management services, accident investigation, learn-to-swim courses and continuing education programs for aquatic facilities around the world.

Tropic Falls receives unannounced quarterly audits as an Ellis & Associates licensed facility. During these audits, the facility is graded on individual lifeguard observations, supervisor observations, vigilance awareness evaluation, simulated emergency observation and a facility administration evaluation.