Schlitterbahn Waterparks is proud to announce three lifeguards at two separate parks have been recognized as Golden Guards during the 2018 summer season by Ellis and Associates. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels and Schlitterbahn Kansas City also received the high possible rating of “Exceeds” – a recognition that overall Schlitterbahn’s lifeguards are exceeding the standards set by the internationally renowned aquatic safety and risk management firm.

The Golden Guards are awarded every season during the Ellis and Associates audits several times throughout the summer. So far this year’s recipients of the Golden Guard honor are Kendry Guzman of Schlitterbahn New Braunfels as well as Katelyn Burks and Brianna Andrade of Schlitterbahn Kansas City. The audits are unannounced visits conducted by expert trainers who come in as guests to observe lifeguards during the course of the day. Auditors are experts in determining how well lifeguards have been properly trained and are practicing best of class skills in every area.

All Schlitterbahn lifeguards are licensed by Ellis and Associates and are required to complete a mandatory three-day training prior to working in the park as well as daily exercises to keep the guards on top of their game.

Kristen Boggess, a Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Operations Manager, explains that our lifeguards bob their heads while they are on stand to demonstrate they are scanning their section.

According to Boggess there are many different layers to cover while scanning the water. Lifeguards must scan their entire section within 10 seconds. “This technique helps them investigate and ensure they catch things that aren’t clear to a casual observer,” she said.

The Golden Guard award is extremely rare and highly prized in the waterpark industry; only a few of the tens of thousands of lifeguards audited worldwide receive the honor each season. Ellis and Associates audits more than 2,000 aquatic facilities over a summer.