Tropical Islands, part of the Parques Reunidos Group, has become the first aquatic facility in Germany to successfully pass the Ellis & Associates (E&A) aquatic safety audit, conducted by Safety Skills Training (SST), achieving an outstanding rating across all areas of drowning prevention, emergency response, and aquatics management.
What the E&A entails
The E&A audit is an internationally recognised assessment designed to evaluate the preparedness of aquatic facilities across three dimensions: Surveillance performance and the consistency of lifeguard vigilance, individual and team response to aquatic emergencies, from initial alert to completion of life-saving procedures. Finally, administrative and documentary compliance, covering action protocols, legal requirements, coverage-area design, and operational checklists.
At Tropical Islands, auditors conducted individual and random performance evaluations to test real-time vigilance and consistency across the lifeguard team. A daily rotation system, implemented to ensure guards change posts every hour across seven different positions, proved instrumental in maintaining focus and preventing fatigue.
In addition, the ‘on-site feedback’ program implemented by the Aquatics leadership team has strengthened real-time learning. Positive behaviors are reinforced immediately, while distractions are corrected through coaching on the spot. This continuous cycle of feedback has significantly increased motivation and operational excellence across the team.
During the emergency-response phase of the audit, evaluators analyzed the full procedure from the moment an alert is triggered to the execution and completion of rescue maneuvers. Tropical Islands’ strong results stem from a daily training system, where groups of lifeguards practise key rescue techniques and rehearse real-life scenarios through simulation.
The audit also included a comprehensive review of all documentation and administrative processes.
“Tropical Islands sets a new benchmark”
“This milestone is a testament to the passion and professionalism of our Aquatics team. Every lifeguard, supervisor, and trainer has dedicated themselves to raising the bar for safety, learning, and teamwork,” said Tropical Islands General Manager Madany Sanyang.
“Becoming the first German facility to pass the E&A audit reflects the culture we strive for every day at Tropical Islands: one where we never compromise on guest safety and where we support each other to deliver our very best. With this milestone, Tropical Islands sets a new benchmark for aquatic-safety excellence in Germany and across the Parques Reunidos portfolio.”
Image: Tropical Islands
