At a glance, wave pools feel controlled. The waves are consistent, the environment is designed, and for many surfers, it appears to be a safer version of the ocean. But behind that perception lies a different reality, where risk still exists in a different form and where safety depends on systems, people, and constant attention.
At Surfland Brasil, that responsibility sits with Gabriel Petersen, Head of Aquatic Safety. With a background as a lifeguard and military firefighter, he now leads the team responsible for keeping both surfers and staff safe inside the park.
We spoke with Gabriel about how safety actually works in a wave pool, what people often misunderstand, and what it takes to manage risk in a controlled environment.
What does safety look like during a surf session? How is the team structured?
Safety during a session at Surfland involves several layers. We always have at least four lifeguards positioned around the pool, with two covering the reef sections and two covering the basin. There is also a lifeguard at the control panel who not only manages the session but also supervises the rest of the team, coordinating rotations and breaks.
In addition, we have a support guide at Surfland outside the water who helps organize surfers before they enter, along with surf guides who play an important role both in and out of the water. Before each session, the guides deliver a safety briefing, explaining how the session works and which rules must be followed. In the water, they continue to reinforce those rules, especially if someone missed the briefing or is not following instructions. There is constant communication within the team. If a lifeguard identifies an issue, such as a surfer paddling back through the impact zone, they intervene immediately, either directly or through a guide.
How do you use data to improve safety?
We have tracked all incidents since the very beginning of operations. Everything is recorded and analyzed. We review the type of injury, the wave setting, the time of day, and different user profiles. This gives us a clearer understanding of patterns and helps us refine our processes. It is an ongoing process, with the goal of continuously improving prevention and response based on real data rather than perception.
Have there been more serious situations, and how does the team handle them?
Yes, we have had more serious situations. For us, these moments also serve to validate the training and protocols we have in place. The team follows established procedures, which allows us to respond effectively. We had a case of cardiac arrest during a session. When external medical teams arrived, they chose not to intervene because the response was already being handled correctly according to protocol. This demonstrates the level of preparation of the team.
You are also involved in industry-level discussions around safety. Can you tell us more about that?
I am part of the Safety Committee established by Shaun Hutchinson. This group brings together professionals from different surf parks to define minimum safety standards for the industry. Recently, we worked on establishing 13 safety points that participating parks should follow. An important point for me is that safety should not be treated as a competitive advantage. When one park shares something that works, it helps the entire industry improve. There is a growing collaborative mindset around this.
What do you think people misunderstand about aquatic safety in a surf park?
Many people assume that lifeguards are simply standing and watching. They do not see the level of training, preparation, and decision-making involved. Our team has extensive experience, with many members coming from years of working on the beach, and they also go through continuous training here. There is a great deal happening behind the scenes that people do not notice.
What has been the biggest challenge moving from the ocean environment to a surf park?The biggest difference is that here we are not only responsible for safety but also part of the overall experience. In the ocean, the role is focused purely on safety. In a surf park, we are working with customers, and we need to ensure they are having a positive experience while maintaining all safety standards.
This requires balance. Safety cannot feel overwhelming or restrictive, but it also cannot be compromised. Communicating this effectively, especially through the guides who interact directly with surfers, is one of our main challenges.
