On October 20, 2021, Richard “RAC” Carroll was inducted into the World Waterpark Association Hall of Fame in recognition for his lifelong achievements and contributions to the water attractions industry. The World Waterpark Association Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have reached a position of eminence through contributions that have provided outstanding service, innovation or advanced the WWA and/or the industry. This prestigious award honors RAC’s leadership, innovation and dedication, along with his decades-long service to elevating swimmer safety.
RAC grew up around the water - a pool rat following his Dad to work managing the community pool, and swimming competitively as a kid. In the summer of 1996, his love of the water drew RAC to a summer job as a lifeguard at Morey’s Piers Raging Waters Water Park. It was there that RAC first met Jeff Ellis and completed E&A’s first-ever lifeguard training. The rest, as they say, is history. RAC decided on the spot that he wanted to work in aquatics and make a career elevating swimmer safety.
In addition to his current role as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of E&A, RAC serves on the Board of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code, IAAPA North America Safety Committee and WWA Safety Committee, and volunteers his time to speak at industry forums. RAC has served on the ASTMF24 Committee as well as the IAAPA Board of Directors, Executive Finance Committee, Governance Committee, Manufacturers and Suppliers Committee and Global Safety Committee.
Watch this incredible WWA tribute to RAC celebrating his lifetime of achievements.
Pictured above at the awards presentation are RAC’s wife Julianne Carroll, RAC, RAC and Julianne’s daughter Lauren Carroll and RAC’s daughter-in-law Magdalena Carroll (RAC’s son Kyle Carroll was unable to join the family in San Antonio).