Shark Week

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Since everyone loves Shark Week, we decided that there would be no better way to celebrate it, than to host an awesome event dedicated just for it. After some deep brainstorming with the staff, we came up with some great ways to create a unique, fun, memorable affair. While most pools do swim-in movies, we wanted to do something different. Our thought was, “Why not cage diving with sharks and some fun shark-themed competitions throughout the night!?” The event turned out to be the event of all events for the summer, as well as generating a substantial amount of revenue for the club!

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Our Creative Director, Ben Lorenzen, began by constructing a shark cage made out of PVC pipe and suspended it in the deep end of the club pool. For the shark, we filled an inflatable 6-foot shark with water, enabling it to sink and appear as if swimming in the deep end. We then had a staff member dress in all black, wearing scuba gear so he would not be seen while swimming the shark around the pool. To further aid in generating an exciting experience, we turned off the lights of the deep end of the pool, creating a more ethereal and frightening environment. Three kids at a time would get in the cage, with an objective of not being hit by the shark. If they ‘survived’ two minutes in the cage, they'd receive a free slushy! It was both extremely exhilarating and fun for the kids. Everyone had a blast and we plan on making it an annual event!