My Job in USA

In 2015, I've participated in the Work & Travel Program in the United States. Today I'm gonna shared a little bit about what I did I do there and where I stayed. Let's go.

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc, is one of the lead theme park operator in the United States which operates 12 theme parks and 5 water parks. And Aquatica is one chain of water parks of SeaWorld which I applied for as a life guard. When combined with it's two sister parks, Sea World Orlando and Discovery Cove, it forms SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando, an entertainment complex consisting of the three parks and many hotels. Interestingly enough, opening near the Disney World and Universal Studio, this made central Florida a multi-park vacation destination. Also a heaven of joy and fun. I was so lucky to spend the summer there.

Our dorm

We were asked to stay at the apartment HR arranged. When we arrived, we never thought it would be a resort apartment which was so fancy and beautiful. It's totally new and with gourmet kitchen, wood plank flooring, stainless-steel appliances already and with spacious living area and comfortable room and bathroom. What I love about the most it's the marble counter tops and kitchen island.

Not to mention the amenities, it was insane. We got our swimming pool, 24 hour fitness studio, barbecue space and club room which include pool table, computers and cafeteria. Could't be happier. We were spoiled.

Aquatica

Like I mentioned, Aqutica is a water park under SeaWorld Entertainment. It was a different and memorable experience to work in it. To be a life guard, you have to pass the swim exam and the rescue certification first. I was not that kind of person who swim all the times. So I was a little bit worry that I wouldn't pass. Fortunately, I passed and became a shallow life guard. ( We had deep life guard and shallow life guard, served in different area.)

The park could be count as big in my opinion, not a problem to hang out all day. There are lots of things you can do such as various slides from a lazy river ride to high-speed mat ride. There are so many. Or you can enjoy the sunbath on the white sand beach. Along the beach, it's the giant wave pool where you can catch high or slow surf whenever you like it. There are also kids areas, dine areas or cabanas where you can relax and enjoy the amenities.

Start to work

After a week of training and sun exposure, I get so tanned. Never been in this skin tone ever. But it's kind of cool.This is our uniform. Basically, hat, white top and red pants. you can either choose a vest or t-shirt. One piece red swimming suit underneath. We also were offered whistle and first-aid kits as equipment. Sunglasses and sunscreen are necessary.

Usually we worked 8 hours a day, sometimes longer if lack of staffs. We would rotate on different spot on different route. Main duty was to keep water area safe and maintain surveillance of people in swimming. I got to say, it really took energy to do that.

Taumata Racer

At some spot, we were responsible for operate the slide and make sure people exit to the right direction as soon as possible. This was the mat race slide called Taumata Racer, you could compete with other racers by ripping down the staggeringly steep hills with head first!

Did I mentioned that one of our training was to take all the rides in the park? Yeah, all of the life guards had to.

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Sometimes, we would be assigned to pick up life jackets or to collect tubes. At the end of

the day, we would be responsible for cleaning the beach and the park. It really required strength and energy to do that! Look how tough we were! We all grew muscles and became tanned.

the last day with our supervisor

One of the mission was to follow the color code, let me explain, it was a safety policy which the park would monitor the weather conditions and giving different color code to staffs. Under severe weather condition, we would suspend operation during the inclement weather. We would ask guesses to evacuate rides and pools and seek shelters. It was hard to ask them to leave after a hour queuing in line. Some parents would not be happy about that.

Finally

Anyway, I met lots of wonderful human being there. Nice coworkers, friendly clients, patient supervisors and friends. Though, there were shitty things happen as well. Anyhow it still a unforgettable memory which I am proud of.

Thanks for reading, guys. If you are interested in this program click here to see how to apply!

#workandtravel #aquatica #lifeguard