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How I'm spending my summer vacation: Kolacz lead lifeguard at Water Country
KEENE, N.H. 7/15/09 - A highly dedicated and competitive member of the Keene State track team, Bryan Kolacz always had his eye on the prize - an NCAA national championship he won this past spring in the hammer throw. As the lead lifeguard at Water Country this summer, the sophomore from Brentwood, N.H., has his eyes fixed on the water, making sure the thousands of guests who visit the water park in Portsmouth are safely enjoying the rides and attractions.
"Bryan is one of the bigger guys that work here," said Joel Riker, the park's operations manager. "I prefer the athletes. They've been on a team, and life guarding is about working together."
"It's a lot of fun, but you have to understand why you're here," said Kolacz, now in his second year working at the park. "People are here to have fun, but there's always a chance that something could happen, and you have to be ready."
One of 200 lifeguards at Water Country, Kolacz earned his certification at the start of the season. "I was not always the strongest swimmer, but I know I'm one of the best people when I have that tube across my chest," he said. Kolacz credits his extensive work in the weight room for helping him become proficient in the pool. "I've got the strongest legs of just about anyone in the park," he said. "I always felt secure about going in and rescuing someone." Fortunately, there have been few incidents during Kolacz's tenure.
Elevated to lead lifeguard this summer, Kolacz went from the wave pool to supervising a section of the park and overseeing some of the most popular rides, including "Geronimo" and his personal favorite, the "Triple Giant Slides." One of his responsibilities every morning is to go on each ride and make sure they are safe.
New England's largest water park, Water Country opened in 1984. The park, situated on 75 acres, has been a family-fun destination from mid-June to Labor Day. According to general manager Andy Nitscelm, who has worked for 23 years at Water Country, the park tries to add a new attraction every summer.
"A lot of parents stand at the end of the ride watching their kids," said Kolacz. "I don't think they're as brave as their children."
Keeping a close eye on the kids sliding down Geronimo, Kolacz says his national championship has sunk in a little bit more. "I'm setting my sites a little higher," said Kolacz, who has begun to do some cardio work and hit the weight room. "I want to see how I can do against higher-level athletes."
In the meantime, Kolacz is quite content waking up every morning and going to a job where the dress code includes a bathing suit and sandals. "It's a long season," he said. "You need to have some down time."
