George Panton is currently Marketing and Product Development Manager for Water Safety Products, Inc., a Florida corporation and international supplier of lifeguard uniforms and lifeguard safety equipment since 1989. Panton’s introduction to the aquatic industry began with a position as beach lifeguard for Brevard County Ocean Rescue in 2003, which continued for five summers. This experience included the First Responder course and USLA open water lifeguard training. During his college years, Panton enjoyed in-store retail and regional sales for such brands as Oakley eyewear. He graduated in 2010 from the University of Denver with a B.A. in marketing and art. Shortly after graduation, Panton took a position leading the pre-opening Souvenir Photography program at the world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, UAE. In 2012, he was promoted to be the first official merchandise manager for the pre-opening team at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. There, he concentrated on interactive retail experiences, including the world’s first SplashQuest game and waterpark pearl dive experience. Since returning to the U.S. in 2013, Panton has visited more than 50 waterparks on behalf of Water Safety Products. As marketing and development manager, his responsibilities have included sales, organizing advertising efforts and assisting with the development of award-winning products. He has also continued his personal growth in the aquatics industry by attending trainings such as Disney Institute, as well as four years of lifeguard training and certification with both Ellis & Associates and NASCO.
