Stephen Sims, ED.D, ATC, has been the General Manager of SomerSplash Waterpark for 12 years. He holds certifications in athletic training from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure. He holds multiple certifications from the American Red Cross, including Lifeguard Instructor Trainer, Lifeguarding and Water Safety Instructor. In 2010, he was selected to be on the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Sounding Board and Workgroup. Sims is also certified as an AFO from the NRPA. Currently, Sims oversees the City of Somerset’s waterpark, SomerSplash Waterpark. At SomerSplash Waterpark, he oversees all daily operations and procedures including all aspects of administration, marketing, admissions, concessions, aquatics and maintenance. Sims also oversees special events that include the City of Somerset’s Fourth of July celebration. During the season, he manages approximately 110-120 seasonal employees. In the off-season, while working full time at SomerSplash, he works as an athletic trainer for a local hospital providing medical coverage for high school athletes during games and practices. Plus, he is a part-time instructor at Eastern Kentucky University teaching in the Recreation and Parks Department. Among his other accolades, Sims holds his doctorate in education (emphasis in educational leadership and policy study), dual master’s degrees; one in physical education (emphasis in sports administration) and the other in recreation and parks administration and a bachelor’s degree in physical education (emphasis in athletic training) from Eastern Kentucky University.
