Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is wrapping up another season in Santa Claus, Indiana, with an impressive international honor and a major new attraction on the horizon.

The popular Midwest destination has received the Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award from Ellis & Associates, placing its Splashin’ Safari lifeguard team among the top 10% of participating aquatic facilities worldwide.

For families planning a summer getaway, the recognition provides added confidence in a water park already known for its award-winning attractions, including Mammoth and Wildebeest.

What Makes This Safety Award Special?

The Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award is the highest level of recognition presented through Ellis & Associates’ Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program.

Unlike awards determined by guest voting or popularity, this distinction is based on performance during multiple unannounced safety audits throughout the operating season.

Evaluators observe lifeguards as they monitor swimmers, assess rescue and basic life support skills, and conduct simulated emergencies to measure how effectively teams respond to potentially dangerous situations.

The process also examines facility operations, supervision and emergency preparedness.

Holiday World’s lifeguards earned “exceeds” ratings on every audit this season, while the park’s ride operators received outstanding results from their own independent evaluation.

“This has been an exceptional season,” said Holiday World President and CEO Matt Eckert. “Our ride operators received outstanding results from their independent audit, and our lifeguards received ‘exceeds’ ratings on each of their audits. We have an incredible team that keeps safety at the forefront, and we’re excited to have one last weekend on the calendar.”

One Last Weekend of Rides at Holiday World

Although Splashin’ Safari has closed for the year, Holiday World will welcome visitors for its final operating weekend on November 7–8.

It’s one more opportunity for families and roller coaster enthusiasts to enjoy the Indiana theme park before the offseason begins.

Visitors should check the park’s official website for operating hours and attraction availability before making the trip.

Cannonball! Gives Visitors Another Reason to Return in 2027

While the current season is coming to an end, construction is progressing on Cannonball!, the park’s newest water roller coaster.

Scheduled to open in May 2027, the attraction will feature 1,700 feet of track, a 90-foot lift hill, a 75-foot drop and speeds reaching 45 mph.

The $22 million addition will bring another major thrill to Splashin’ Safari, which has earned national recognition for its water attractions.

Holiday World reports that construction remains on schedule for the new ride’s debut next spring.

Start Planning a 2027 Holiday World Getaway

Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is an accessible road trip from Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Nashville and Columbus.

With roller coasters, family attractions and an expansive water park, the destination offers enough variety to fill more than a single day, particularly for visitors looking to experience both parks.

Travelers considering a return next summer can already purchase 2027 season passes. Holiday World also plans to announce special Black Friday and Cyber Monday ticket deals soon.

With one final weekend of roller coaster rides remaining and a $22 million water coaster preparing to make a splash next spring, Holiday World is giving travelers plenty of reasons to keep Santa Claus, Indiana, on their vacation radar.

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(Photos courtesy Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari)