Tropic Falls at OWA Celebrates National Water Safety Month

Foley, Ala. — As we head into the summer season, Tropic Falls at OWA is recognizing National Water Safety Month to remind us all of the importance of water safety. When school is out for the summer and the weather heats up, poolside recreation is in. That’s why May is the perfect time to observe safe water practices. The month-long campaign emphasizes the importance of education, preparation, and vigilance around water activities, promoting best practices to keep families safe around water.

Celebrated each May, this national initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of preventing drowning and ensuring safe water practices in our communities. OWA joins other organizations and water parks around the country in this celebration of awareness of National Water Safety Month and the importance of water safety and drowning prevention.

Tropic Falls at OWA places the highest regard on safety initiatives. In addition to lessons and training received prior to hiring, each lifeguard at Tropic Falls undergoes between 27 and 29 hours of specialized training and orientation before their first day as a lifeguard. They also dedicate at least four additional training hours each month toward this continuing education. As part of our ongoing commitment to guest safety, several of our lifeguards have exceeded the national testing standards during recent safety audits and skills evaluations—a testament to their rigorous training, and dedication.

“Safety is our top priority at OWA Parks & Resort. It is essential to highlight safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents and provide a safe environment for all swimmers. During National Water Safety Month we reflect on what our team has learned and how we can share these important tips with our guests and those in our community,” said Mike Neace, Tropic Falls General Manager, Theme and Water Park. “I am very proud of the dedication and commitment to safety that our staff continues to demonstrate day in and day out.”

The Tropic Falls team stresses using the following tips for water safety:

• Never leave children unsupervised in or near water. Designate a “water watcher” to keep an eye on swimmers at all times.
• Follow age, height, weight and health requirements and be sure to follow posted rules and directions from lifeguards and water safety personnel. Be sure to ask the lifeguards or staff if you have any questions.
• If your child is missing, check other pools or surrounding bodies of water.
• Have a phone nearby in case you need to call 911 in the event of an emergency.
• Weak and non-swimmers should wear a properly fitted, US Coast Guard approved, life jacket. Tropic Falls has life jackets available in various sizes that guests are welcome to use, at no charge, while they are visiting.
• Learn to Swim: Swimming is an essential life skill. Enroll in swim lessons for children and adults, ensuring everyone knows basic water survival skills.
• Take rest, rehydration, and restroom breaks frequently. Re-apply sunscreen on rest breaks, even on overcast days.
• Proper hygiene is important for safe water, and safe swimming, including showering before and after swimming and wearing appropriate, clean swimwear. For diaper dependent individuals—swim diapers and frequent restroom breaks are a must.

Water safety is a team sport — swimmers and safety personnel/lifeguards work together to keep everyone safe. By educating the public, providing resources, and supporting local programs, National Water Safety Month aims to reduce water-related accidents and make every community safer.
For all the latest information and events at OWA Parks & Resort, visit visitowa.com

###

About OWA Parks & Resort: Award-winning OWA Parks & Resort in Coastal Alabama is owned and operated by the Poarch Creek Indians.  OWA’s name is derived from a Creek word for “big water,” and the tropical theme of the 520-acre property was inspired by the Gulf of Mexico, minutes away via the Foley Beach Express.

At the heart of OWA is Tropic Falls, which includes a 23-ride theme park and the region’s largest indoor water park—bigger than a football field and covered by a convertible roof.  Adjacent to the indoor water park and connected by a retractable wall is Big Water Bay, a 30,000 sq. ft. wave pool and Coastal Curl wave simulator.  Just outside the ticketed areas is Downtown OWA. This pedestrian-only streetscape was inspired by Southern small towns and features numerous options for dining, shopping, and entertainment.  The destination resort offers a full calendar of events, from Downtown OWA’s own Mardi Gras Parade to the annual Christmas tree lighting with fireworks and snowfall.

For on-site accommodations, relax at OWA’s own award-winning TownePlace Suites by Marriott.  And for the RV traveler, Tropic Hideaway is a luxury RV resort that has everything you want, starting with its location at OWA Parks and Resort, just minutes from the Alabama beaches off the Foley Beach Express. The sites are all extra wide and feature a full complement of Wi-Fi and hook ups. Premium locations and pull-through sites are available.  OWA is the place in Coastal Alabama to thrill, then chill.