Started by Jeff Ellis in 1983, Ellis and Associates (E&A) marks a milestone of 40 years of service to the aquatics industry.

Its popularity and success have meant E&A Clients has more than 800 clients in 40 different countries.

E&A has marked more ‘first and only’ moments than any other aquatic safety organization in the world, including the first lifeguard training program designed specifically for pools and water parks, the introduction of rescue tube technology and the establishment of the “10/20 Standard” for lifeguard accountability.

Back in its early inception in 1983, the popularity of water parks featuring wave pools, lazy rivers, water slides and activity pools made for a more challenging job for park operators and lifeguards. Therefore, Ellis conducted further investigations and poured hours into research and experimentation, dedicating his time to finding a better way to lifeguard. 

This led to the creation of E&A’s first National Pool & Waterpark Lifeguard Training Program®, published in 1983. And 40 years on, the organization’s original lifeguard training program, now called the International Lifeguard Training Program, has been translated into more than a dozen languages.

 “The remarkable journey of Ellis and Associates is the result of passionate people, selfless professionals all over the world, that have contributed their time, talent and expertise to making a difference in aquatic safety,” said E&A President and CEO Jeff Ellis. 

“I am humbled to be part of this extraordinary group and respectfully celebrate their accomplishments over the past forty years. E&A clients truly set the Gold Standard for our industry.”

“The key factor that allows E&A to remain at the forefront of aquatic industry innovations lies in the belief that we must continually seek new and better solutions to enhance aquatic safety.

“Reliance upon existing practices, including ones that we might have originally developed, is not an option. We must remain driven and committed to making a difference when it comes to aquatic safety matters.”

Since E&A’s introduction of the “10/20 Second Protection Standard” and “10/3 Minute Protection Standard” in 1991, these have become the recognized worldwide industry standards of care for lifeguard scanning and swimmer protection in swimming pools and open water environments.

Image: E&A