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Janko Gregocký, head lifeguard at Tatralandia, told us more about his job in another interview for Gopass. With over 21 years of experience, we consider him a great expert and the right man for the job. People often think that a lifeguard is just someone who sits by the pool and blows a whistle from time to time. The truth is that it involves much more responsibility.
When most visitors to Tatralandia are still queuing at the gates, Janko Gregocký and his team have already put in many hours of work. The water has been checked, the slides tested, and the pools cleaned. All this to ensure that the facility is safe and ready.
What a lifeguard’s day looks like
Work begins before the gates open to the first visitors. Every pool must be clean, every slide safe, and every detail under control. ‘My job is to make sure that everything works as it should. From the technical condition of the attractions to the readiness of the lifeguard team,’ he explains. After opening, the pace changes. Lifeguards watch over dozens of metres of water and hundreds of people.
A mission, not a job
Being a lifeguard means having eyes everywhere. More than fifteen lifeguards work at Tatralandia so that everyone can maintain maximum concentration. ‘Our shifts are set up so that a lifeguard never sits in one place for too long. After an hour, they change, rest and can fully concentrate,’ explains lifeguard manager Janko Gregocký.
How did he start and what motivates him?
“I started at Tatralandia 21 years ago as a lifeguard. Since 2011, I have been working as a lifeguard supervisor. My motivation comes mainly from the people around me. I am inspired by watching my colleagues change and gradually transform from young and inexperienced workers into responsible and reliable lifeguards.”
“I also see great value in bringing the team together and building team spirit. Each of the lifeguards has their own life story, and I am happy when, for example, mothers return after maternity leave, or students who have been working with us since they were 18 and then throughout their college studies. Being able to be part of these changes, seeing growth, and participating in building a strong team is my greatest motivation. I also enjoy solving various situations and common problems that arise—it’s a challenge for me, but also a way to move the work forward. Last but not least, constant communication with visitors when dealing with everyday situations that arise in the operation of the water park also pushes me forward.”
