The World Waterpark Association (WWA), which was started in 1982, is an international
not-for-profit
A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
member-based trade association that serves
waterparks
A water park (or waterpark, water world) is an amusement park that features water play areas such as swimming pools, water slides, splash pads, water playgrounds, and lazy rivers, as well as areas for floating, bathing, swimming, and other bare ...
, aquatic venues and spray parks. The WWA is focused on providing its 1200 members with the education and networking that they need to operate safely and effectively.
History & organization
Founded in 1982, World Waterpark Association was inspired by the creativity and success of
George Millay
George Millay (July 4, 1929 – February 6, 2006) was an American businessman and founder of SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild water parks.
Millay was born July 4, 1929, at Mercy Hospital and grew up in Ocean Beach, San Francisco, and Hawaii. After s ...
, the “Father of the Waterpark,” who designed the industry-changing SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild amusement parks. The organization is currently led by Rick Root, who was named President in 2001
The World Waterpark Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of 14 waterpark owners, operators, suppliers and developers. The term of each board position is 2 years. A Governance Committee comprises the chairman, vice chairman, treasurer and secretary.
Services
World Waterpark Association launched the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson in 2010. It is an annual, worldwide event that focuses on the importance of learning to swim and the need for
drowning
Drowning is a type of suffocation induced by the submersion of the mouth and nose in a liquid. Most instances of fatal drowning occur alone or in situations where others present are either unaware of the victim's situation or unable to offer as ...
prevention education. On June 20, 2014, they broke the
world record
A world record is usually the best global and most important performance that is ever recorded and officially verified in a specific skill, sport, or other kind of activity. The book ''Guinness World Records'' and other world records organization ...
with 36,564 participants at multiple venues in 480 locations in 22 countries.
World Waterpark Magazine
World Waterpark Magazine is a
trade journal for the global water park industry. It is published 10 times a year in both print and digital version.
References
External links
*{{Official website, http://www.waterparks.org
*Magazine
World Waterpark Magazine*
Tradeshow WWASHOW
Entertainment industry associations
Trade associations based in the United States
International trade associations
Water parks