February 26, 2008
Six Flags Great America's Hurricane Harbor receives prestigious safety award
Six Flags Great America announced today that Hurricane Harbor has received the Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award from Ellis & Associates. The platinum award is the highest and most prestigious award that Ellis & Associates presents on an annual basis and is only presented to water parks that score in the top nine percent in their worldwide audits.
An extensive audit process conducted by Ellis & Associates is used as the criteria for the safety awards. The audit program consists of random unannounced audits which provide a snapshot of the lifeguard's ability to meet swimmer protection standards and test ready lifeguard skills as well as a facilities ability to demonstrate and meet patients care standards. A facility must consistently perform in the top seven to nine percent to qualify for the Platinum Award.
"Safety is our number one priority and we're proud that an organization as knowledgeable as Ellis & Associates has recognized us as one of the safest water parks in the world," said Kristie Moses, Six Flags Great America's operations manager.
Ellis & Associates is the unrivaled leader in aquatic safety with its Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program, including in-house lifeguard training, CPR, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen and AED training to water parks, pools and resorts.
Hurricane Harbor lifeguards are required to participate in a minimum of 50 hours of training prior to working in the water park. In addition, each lifeguard attends a scheduled hour of continuing education each week. Throughout the season the aquatics training team conducts numerous daily safety audits and performance evaluations during regular park operation for all team members. This rigorous commitment to training insures that safety is our number one priority at all times.
The massive Hurricane Harbor water park at Six Flags Great America provides wet-and-wild fun for the whole family with 26 water slides, a massive wave pool, and Skull Island - an interactive water playground. Admission to the Hurricane Harbor is free with theme park admission.
Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company with 21 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Founded in 1961, Six Flags has provided world class entertainment for millions of families with cutting edge, record-shattering roller coasters and appointment programming with events like the popular Thursday and Sunday Night Concert Series. Now 47 years strong, Six Flags is recognized as the preeminent thrill innovator while reaching to all demographics - families, teens, tweens and thrill seekers alike - with themed attractions based on the Looney Tunes characters, the Justice League of America, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, The Wiggles and Thomas the Tank Engine.
Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.
