Press Release from Dollywood:

PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (Monday, Dec. 5, 2022) – Lifeguards at Dollywood’s Splash Country have a new accolade about which to boast: Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. honored them with the prestigious Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award for their diligence at Dollywood’s Splash Country. Ellis & Associates, international aquatic safety and risk management consultants, work with more than 600 organizations worldwide. According to E&A, earning this award demonstrates the aquatic facility consistently exceeds industry standards in risk management. Only the top 10% of their clients receive a Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award each year.

“It is apparent that the entire staff embodies the idea of setting the standard in aquatic safety and swimmers who frequent this aquatic facility are afforded the highest degree of swimmer protection currently available for the aquatic industry,” said Richard A. Carroll, Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. Senior Vice President and COO.

Dollywood’s Splash Country recruits, trains and staffs lifeguards at the water park as well as at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. International Aquatic Safety Awards are presented annually to participants in E&A’s Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program and are based on the results of random, unannounced safety audits throughout the year. These audits include undercover video surveillance of individual lifeguards while they watch their Zone of Protection® areas, in order to accurately evaluate their professional diligence. Additionally, individual and team basic life support and rescue skills are evaluated, along with simulated emergencies that measure the effectiveness of established emergency action plans.

“We have high expectations of our guards. They’re required to attend in-service trainings every week so they can stay sharp on their skills, and we conduct internal audits to be sure we’re always prepared,” said Jason Boothe, Vice President of Park Operations. “We’re proud when others recognize how well-equipped our team is. Having the best lifeguards in the industry translates into a fun and safe environment our guests appreciate,” he added.

These international safety awards are presented only to E&A’s most elite clients. The awards come in three levels: Silver, Gold and Platinum.