New from Ellis International: Ellis & Associates, powered by Ellis Learning, Launches Groundbreaking, AI-Supported eLearning Course Revealing What Drowning Really Looks Like

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:55:17 GMT

Ellis & Associates (E&A), the world leader in aquatic safety since 1983, announces the release of its newest online training course, Scanning and Drowning Detection: Improving Recognition. Now publicly available at this highly interactive eLearning experience provides an unprecedented look at the real behaviors exhibited by a swimmer in distress.

Developed using real-time video footage of actual drowning incidents captured through advanced aquatic safety technology, the course challenges long‑held assumptions about what drowning looks like. Drawing on hundreds of data points and behavior patterns collected through real-time camera monitoring and behavior-recognition software, the program reveals that many signs of drowning are quiet, fast and easy to miss.

The course offers learners the ability to observe true drowning behaviors across all ages and a wide range of aquatic environments. Participants discover:

how drowning can involve confusing movements that resemble play,
how signs are often silent, rapid, and easy to miss, and
how real behaviors don’t always match with traditional expectations of what drowning looks like.

Through immersive, scenario-based training, learners conduct simulated lifeguard scans, identify guests in distress, and compare their observations with real outcomes. By breaking down the exact behaviors that triggered each response, the course teaches the purposeful, focused, and deliberate scanning techniques that dramatically improve recognition and response times.

Supported by findings aggregated from more than 25,000 rescues and hundreds of data points collected from live video footage, this program represents a transformative step forward in drowning‑prevention education. Rather than relying solely on human-generated reports and eyewitness accounts—which can be inconsistent, incomplete, or influenced by stress—E&A uses real footage and advanced data analysis to reveal what drowning truly looks like.

“Improving lifeguard performance requires a deeper, more accurate understanding of what drowning truly looks like; this course provides that breakthrough,” said Ellis Learning Vice President, Joe Stefanyak. “Our commitment to continuous research and real‑world analysis enables us to reshape drowning‑recognition training and enhance scanning effectiveness throughout the aquatics industry.”

The data and video that power the course were accumulated through the Ellis Aquatic Vigilance System (EAVS) , E&A’s proprietary AI assisted vigilance and monitoring platform. EAVS™ provides “supplemental eyes” across aquatic facilities through high-definition above and below water cameras integrated with intelligent video analytics and human interface. Scalable, customizable, and suitable for venues of any size, EAVS represents the most comprehensive drowning‑prevention and safety‑vigilance system available.

“If you want lifeguards to react faster, miss less, and understand drowning from an entirely new perspective, this is the course,” added Ellis & Associates SVP and Chief Executive Officer, Richard A. RAC Carroll. Scanning and Drowning Detection: Improving Recognition and a number of other educational courses are available right now on the E&A. Facility operators wishing to use this training for 10 or more staff may contact to inquire about bulk pricing. Ellis & Associates is a of International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) approved CEUs. This course carries the option to earn a .1 hour IACET CEU.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance for Indoor and Outdoor Aquatic Venues: Facility & Attraction Inspections

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:07:47 GMT

Ensuring Safety and Compliance for Indoor and Outdoor Aquatic Venues: Facility & Attraction Inspections

Routine inspections of aquatic facilities and attractions are essential to ensure guest safety and operational compliance. Ellis & Associates (E&A) offers comprehensive inspection services designed to identify potential hazards, uphold required standards, and provide a safe environment for visitors. Our inspections reference ASTM F-24 guidelines for amusement ride and device safety, as well as Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines, and are structured to meet the requirements of state and/or local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for attraction certification. Our inspections are designed for both pre-opening and ongoing operations. Industry standards and best practices are part of every aspect of the facility inspection.

Facility and Attraction Inspection Areas

E&A inspections cover indoor and outdoor aquatic areas. Certified inspectors review general safety concerns in all guest-facing areas to ensure a safe environment. This includes looking at the queue areas for potential trip hazards, confirming that ride rules and warning signage is clearly posted and visible, and noting that the path guests use to access the attraction is safe and unobstructed. Slide and structure inspections focus on integrity, stability, and visible wear. The ride path itself is inspected to ensure the attraction is safe for use, looking at the ride surface as well as any joints and seams to identify anything that could affect safety and the overall rider experience. Landing areas are examined with the same level of attention, and to verify that the water depth meets manufacturer guidelines. The structure is inspected for defects, signs of wear, damage, and overall condition to confirm it remains safe and properly maintained. Inspectors also verify the presence of a manufacturer ride identification plate on or near the attraction.

ASTM F-24 standards guide these inspections, setting criteria for physical condition, maintenance and operational procedures. Inspectors also assess the general walking surfaces leading to, from, and around the general attraction. Looking for potential hazards such as cracks, uneven surfaces, poor drainage, trip or slip risks, as well as the overall presence and upkeep of any adjacent features like railings, and barriers are part of the program. Rescue equipment must be present, maintained, and easily accessible. Themed attraction pieces and netting are evaluated for secure installation and absence of sharp edges.

Back of House Inspection

Restricted access areas including electrical rooms and filtration systems are inspected to verify that all safety systems are in place and functioning as intended. Inspectors look to ensure proper labeling, effective hazard control, and any power redundancy controls are in place and operational. Our team looks for functioning alarms, clear walkways, and up-to-date maintenance logs while evaluating overall function to protect both guest and employee safety.

Reporting and Results

After inspections, findings are documented and communicated promptly to facility management onsite. Immediate actions are recommended for critical concerns, and all results are recorded for regulatory compliance and future reference, ensuring ongoing improvements and accountability. With Ellis & Associates, inspections are signed off and confirmed by park contacts, and all necessary AHJ documentation is completed and submitted to the relevant agencies for aquatic attraction certification and safe operation.

Pre-opening is a busy time for attraction and facility inspections, but it doesn't just end there. Safety doesn't happen just once a year; it happens every day. Daily inspections and proactive, preventative maintenance are what keeps a facility safe, reliable, and ready all year long.

For more information on E&A’s water park facility and attraction inspection services, email: business@ellitintl.com.

Ellis & Associates Expands Fulltime Staff, Welcomes Aquatics Professional Adrianne Newman as Client Manager

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:58:08 GMT

Ellis & Associates, Inc. (E&A), the world leader in aquatic safety since 1983, continues to grow, expanding the fulltime client services team for the third time in less than two years with the addition of aquatics, safety and operations professional, Adrianne Newman.

Adrianne began her aquatics career in 2000 as a 15-year-old slide attendant at Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells and became an E&A certified lifeguard the following year. After working in aquatics through high school and college, and becoming an E&A Instructor, Adrianne began her fulltime career at Great Wolf Lodge. While a pack member at multiple Great Wolf Lodge locations she held progressively responsible roles in Administration, Training, Aquatics and Operations, rising to Director of Aquatics. During her tenure at Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City, Adrianne’s team earned the flagship property’s first E&A Platinum Award in 2014.

After 17 years of service with the wolf pack, Adrianne moved to Galveston Island, TX to work for Schlitterbahn as the Director of Operations. In 2018 she became an E&A Instructor Trainer. During her career, she also worked for the corporate office of Goldfish Swim School as an Operations Consultant and for Commercial Aquatics as the Corporate Director of Safety.

In her free time, Adrianne enjoys going to sporting events, spending time with her friends and family, going to concerts, and running marathons.

To learn more about Ellis & Associates, including the new EllisDocs aquatic facility document management app available to any aquatic facility, health and safety training, the Ellis Aquatics Vigilance System (EAVS™) or the International Lifeguard Training Program, visit the website or email business@jellis.com

Ellis & Associates and Mobaro Announce the New EllisDocs powered by Mobaro

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:57:07 GMT

Groundbreaking Partnership Advances Aquatic Facility Operations with a Powerful New App that Combines Task Management, Record-Keeping and Accountability

EllisDocs is available for use by any aquatic facility in the world – regardless of any affiliation with a lifeguard instructor program

Two of the attractions industry’s most respected safety organizations, Ellis & Associates (E&A) and Mobaro, today announced a partnership that delivers a powerful and easy-to-use aquatic facility operations app now available to all aquatic facilities. Backed by E&A’s unmatched aquatic safety expertise and Mobaro’s leading digital solutions, the intuitive app transforms how aquatic facilities operate by combining task management, record-keeping and accountability in one central place.

Pre-built functions means it is easy to get started with EllisDocs powered by Mobaro.

- Issue and track checklists
- Generate notifications and alerts
- Insert photos into reports and checklists
- Record daily inspections
- Record chemical levels
- Complete and store rescue reports
- Store photos
- Track and document in-service
- Generate reports and analyze data

All data is secure, ensuring privacy and safe storage. The transparency and efficiency of EllisDocs powered by Mobaro means aquatic facilities can, among many other benefits:

- Reduce downtime
- Digitize documentation and record-retention
- Avoid illegible handwriting
- Collect and analyze data
- Identify trends

“EllisDocs powered by Mobaro combines the unique, hands-on experience of both the E&A and Jeff Ellis Management teams,” said Richard A. “RAC” Carroll SVP and COO of E&A. “Our JEM leaders are in the field every day operating aquatic facilities on behalf of our clients, and our full E&A leadership team is working with clients around the world, sharing and gathering insight and expertise. This unparalleled operational experience, combined with the unquestioned superiority of Mobaro’s digital platforms means aquatic facilities of any size or type now have access to maintenance and operations systems that are proven to elevate both safety and efficiency.”

“Working with Ellis & Associates shows what’s possible when two dedicated and leading industry providers join forces to enhance water park safety and operations. We’re excited to collaborate on user-focused innovation built on deep safety and operations expertise. Together, we have big plans for continued development of a truly water park-specific solution and look forward to strengthening our close partnership with the incredible E&A team,” said Christoffer Weiss Borup, Co-CEO of Mobaro.

The Mobaro and E&A team will be available at the World Waterpark Associations’ Annual Symposium and Trade Show in booth #1031 & 1033 and at IAAPA Expo North America at the Mobaro booth #4409 and E&A booth #2660. Any aquatic facility, regardless of any affiliation with a lifeguard instructor program, can put EllisDocs powered by Mobaro to work.

Visit the EllisDocs website to book a free demo or contact Marah Rodriguez at mr@mobaro.com .

New Client Promotion

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:55:50 GMT

Start the New Year with the World Leader in Aquatic Safety & Risk Management and Save up to 30%

E&A Clients know that there is nothing more important than our unwavering commitment to safety. Start the new year as part of the E&A family and join more than 850 aquatic facilities around the world as we work together to elevate aquatic safety. For a limited time, join E&A and save on both our Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program (CARMP) and International Lifeguard Training Program (ILTP) including free access to our digital client services portal.

CARMP Offer Includes

Professional Lifeguard Licenses and Audits
NEW EllisDocs Subscription with 3 Points of Interest - FREE
2 Lifeguard Instructor Registration - FREE
BYO: Build Your Own In-Service & Create a Course - FREE

ILTP Offer Includes:

ILTP Including Professional Lifeguard Certification and Audit
2 Lifeguard Instructor Registration - FREE
BYO: Build Your Own In-Service & Create a Course - FREE

All Clients will gain exclusive use of our industry leading Pectora Client Services Portal for secure communication, learning management and credential management. Join the world leader in aquatic safety today. Email info@ellisintl.com for more information.