JEM: Tell us how you got started in aquatics.

Dale: I started with Ellis when I was 16 as a seasonal employee at the Round Lake Park District Pool, working as a swim instructor. I immediately fell in love with leading and teaching…especially supporting those who had never been in the water or didn’t feel comfortable in it. That passion led me to become a lifeguard halfway through the summer, where I began developing the more skill-based, BLS-centered side of aquatic safety. 

I continued at Round Lake for the next two years until I had the opportunity to travel. I was fortunate enough to work at SoundWaves at the Gaylord Opryland and later at Disney’s Aulani. At Aulani, I took on an Assistant Manager role and lived there for two years. That experience helped shape my leadership style and threw countless curveballs my way – each one expanding my understanding of operational needs and emergency care, ultimately bringing me to where I am today!

From there, I found myself in an incredible position to keep learning while helping others discover the same love this company and industry have given me. Now, I strive to build and support a team at Disney’s Cotino that thrives in a learning environment and continually pushes themselves (and each other) to succeed.

JEM: What is one of your favorite accomplishments?

Dale: One of my favorite accomplishments was coordinating employee events and Lifeguard Appreciation Days at Aulani. Hearing gratitude from different departments for recognizing our lifeguards, leads, and supervisors was incredibly meaningful. Those were the moments when I could see the team genuinely feel that their countless hours of hard work were seen and appreciated. Creating that space for them is something I will always be proud of.

Another accomplishment that stands out was providing care for a choking infant at Ulu Café. It was one of the scariest moments of my career, but it also reminded me of the strength of our training. That experience continues to fuel the passion and purpose I bring into every training with my new team and reinforces the importance of the work we do.

JEM: Who are your mentors, and why? 

Dale: As corny as it sounds, my brothers have always been my greatest mentors. They are the two people who consistently push me to succeed and strive for my absolute best. I will always look up to them for their ability to step outside their comfort zones and stay true to their beliefs, no matter how uncomfortable or unfamiliar it may be.

JEM: What do you like to do for fun?

Dale: One of my newest passions after living in Hawaii has been free diving. Exploring the beautiful ocean and learning about marine life and restoration projects has fascinated me. Now that I live in the desert – quite far from the ocean – I’ve found myself taking on as many hikes as I can to explore this different but still beautiful landscape of Palm Springs.