Tropic Falls at OWA Celebrates National Water Safety Month

Foley, Ala.— Tropic Falls at OWA joins other parks around the country in celebration of May as National Water Safety Month, which is a time to raise awareness about the importance of water safety and drowning prevention.

The National Water Safety Month campaign plays a foundational role in leading the conversation about how to keep families safe around water. The initiative to strengthen water safety education has led to national media coverage, improved legislation and critical advocacy efforts throughout the U.S.

At Tropic Falls, leadership places the highest regard on safety initiatives. In addition to lessons and training received prior to hiring, each lifeguard at Tropic Falls undergoes more than 37 hours of specialized training before their first day as a lifeguard. They also dedicate at least four additional training hours each month toward this continuing education.

“Safety is our top priority, and during National Water Safety Month we reflect on what the team has learned and how we can share these important tips with our guests and surrounding communities,” said Mike Neace, General Manager of Tropic Falls at OWA. “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 alone around water. Always keep your eyes on children in and around water. Actively supervise and give children your undivided attention when they are in or around water to help prevent drownings.

● Be sure to read all posted signs. 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.

● Everyone, children and adults, should learn to swim — there are swimming lessons available for all ages.

● 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!
For all the latest information and events at OWA Parks & Resort, visit visitowa.com.

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About OWA Parks & Resort:
Award-winning OWA Parks & Resort in Coastal Alabama is owned and operated by the Poarch Band of 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. 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. With its own award-winning TownePlace Suites by Marriott, OWA is the place in Coastal Alabama to thrill, then chill.