Here at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, two of our main philosophies are having fun and creating unforgettable enjoyable experiences! Although we are thrilled to introduce Bavarian Blast Waterpark to our guests, we also understand we have a serious duty to continue to uphold; Water Safety.
Safety is the foundation of a good experience. Waterparks are all about fun, relaxation, and making long lasting memories with your family! With these factors in mind, our Aquatics Team values safety as its Number One priority. When our guests enter Bavarian Blast, our Aquatics Team has already created an environment of enjoyable experiences through a systematic approach of protecting our guests. We want our guests to know that whether they are zipping down one of the sixteen waterslides, cruising through Greta’s Garden in the lazy river, splashing around in the Puddle Platz, hopping from pad to pad in Victoria’s Crossing or floating over Willy’s Waves in our wave pool, your family will be protected by American Red Cross trained and certified lifeguards!
Leading our Aquatics Team is Jackie Zervos-Elizondo, Director of Aquatics and Master of Fun. She guides her team in safe slide operations, emergency protocols, and water safety education. Jackie is an experienced American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer, Water Safety Instructor Trainer, Basic Life Support Instructor Trainer, CPR and First Aid Instructor Trainer, Wilderness First Aid Instructor, and Lifeguard. She is also a Certified Pool and Spa Operator. Jackie has been a water safety advocate for the past 25 years and has managed the operations of a variety of aquatics facilities over the past 15 years.
Having attended the American Red Cross Instructor Trainer Academies twice, Jackie went through intensive training to ensure she not only had the knowledge and credentials to lead a dynamic group of young professionals but also to navigate the safety of all guests, including children and inexperienced swimmers. Through these trainings, Jackie has certified 6 CPR Instructors, 6 Lifeguard Instructors, and 5 Water Safety Instructors for the Bavarian Inn Lodge. It requires all management team members to be certified in CPR, First Aid, and emergency procedures; furthermore, requires all aquatics team members to be certified as lifeguards. Water Safety Instructor certifications are required of all swim instructors of swim lessons and water safety educational programming set to launch in 2025.
Jackie’s passion for all things aquatic started at a young age and has only grown since. Her passion became her career in waterpark operations. Her dedication and commitment to her career have made her a stand out in her field and a perfect fit for our team! Her love for aquatics extends beyond the safety of our guests. She believes there is nothing better than seeing young guests zip down a waterslide and say, “Let’s go again!” after conquering their fears of the big slides.
Guests experience more relaxation, satisfaction, and enjoyment in their waterpark experiences when they know their safety is prioritized. Jackie understands that safety and enjoyment go hand-in-hand. Training our aquatics team in various water safety education practices ensures our guests’ safety in and around the water at Bavarian Blast Waterpark. We are proud and thankful to have an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced educator and director whose commitment to water safety is her focus.
