SST, Office 508 The Dome Tower, Cluster N, JLT, Dubai (2026)

13/01/2026

Thailand has recently experienced severe and widespread flooding, with communities facing significant disruption and ongoing recovery challenges. In moments like these, volunteers supporting rescue efforts can make a huge difference to individuals caught in the devastation.

SST are incredibly proud to recognise Khun Ploy and Khun Chao, two of our ILTP® instructor family from Ramayana Water Park, who volunteered their time, emergency response skills and local knowledge to support affected communities during the response. Their willingness to step forward reflects the quiet leadership and service mindset that sit at the heart of strong safety cultures, and it is a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have when professional skills are used in service of others.

Read more about their volunteering here - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/thailand-has-recently-experienced-severe-ugcPost-7416796728970043392-1sdf?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAhklTgBbaSG1Vr5leAqGIsWHsrEuzfV9Ao

07/01/2026

Join us in welcoming our final faculty member, Sarhece Serna to the International Aquatic Safety School Abu Dhabi 2026!

Sarhece’s aquatics career started when she was just sixteen. From that lifeguard position at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, she built a remarkable legacy in safety, leadership, and operational excellence. Over two decades she rose to Senior Operations Manager, became an Ellis and Associates, Inc. Instructor and later Instructor Trainer, making a lasting impact on thousands of lifeguards - including countless teams she helped develop through being on IASS Arizona faculty.

In 2024 she transitioned to Client Manager with Ellis & Associates, where she now supports facilities across the US; strengthening partnerships and elevating safety standards. Calm under pressure and relentlessly passionate about safety, Sarhece brings warmth, expertise, and unmatched energy to every classroom.

We’re excited to have her with us in Abu Dhabi for what promises to be a truly unforgettable week.

Water Safety Products
Water Technology, Inc.
WhiteWater West
World Waterpark Association

05/01/2026

2026 starts with a splash - welcoming Roel van den Berk to IASS Abu Dhabi Faculty!

Roel’s career spans over a decade in aquatics, from ILTP® Lifeguard roles at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach to pre-opening teams at Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, earning his ILTP® Instructor License, and leading operations at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. He now leads overall daily operations for Water World Ocean Park in Hong Kong, having joined the team there at pre-opening.

As the only Instructor Trainer from the Netherlands, Roel brings a distinctively Dutch perspective to everything he does — blending precision, calm leadership and humour with a deep understanding of building systems and cultures that enable teams to thrive. Lifeguards and colleagues alike love his approachable style, and he’s ready to share his experience and energy with the next generation of aquatic professionals in February.

02/01/2026

Chris Thomas (CT) has spent more than 30 years in the waterpark industry, (starting as many of the best do) as a seasonal employee before working his way through the ranks. His career began at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, in Texas, and he earned a Bachelors Degree in Recreation Administration from Southwest Texas State, going on to his first full time leadership role in Aquatics at Adventure Landing in Jacksonville, Florida.

Since then, CT has held leadership roles at some of the industry's most recognisable parks; including Splashtown San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Splish Splash Long Island, Raging Waters Los Angeles and more - leading multiple expansions and major slide installations along the way.

You'll now find CT in the deserts of Saudi Arabia as the GM of Aquarabia Qiddiya City; where he is still known for his steady, frontline leadership - and his appreciation of a Wendy's Vanilla Frosty! Listen to hear what the Make a Difference theme means to him.

Water Safety Products
WhiteWater West
World Waterpark Association

31/12/2025

IASS ABU DHABI 2026 - BEST TEACHBACK PRIZE

We’re excited to reveal an extraordinary opportunity at IASS Abu Dhabi 2026 that every attendee (or any passionate aquatics professional) will want to know about! Each group will recognise a "Best Teachback", and that instructor candidate will win a once-in-a-lifetime dinner with respected leaders in our industry: Jeff Ellis and Ben Strong.

Jeff is the founder of Ellis and Associates, the world’s first and most influential aquatic safety and risk management organisation. His work has reshaped lifeguarding globally, from the creation of the 10/20 Protection Standard to the International Lifeguard Training Program®, to safety and vigilance systems used in aquatic facilities across dozens of countries. For generations of lifeguards and future leaders, his influence has helped define what professional aquatic safety looks like, making the opportunity to meet him in person a rare and career-defining experience at any stage.

Joining him will be Ben Strong, whose leadership and mentorship have inspired thousands of lifeguards, trainers, and aquatics professionals worldwide.

This exclusive dinner offers more than recognition; it offers direct access to the people who have shaped modern aquatic safety, leadership, and professional excellence.

Not yet registered? Sign up today because YOUR teachback could get you this once in a lifetime opportunity! Reach out to your Client Director or fill in a contact form!

https://wkf.ms/4kQl8VP

31/12/2025

We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Saso “Sasho” Potparikj back to the faculty of International Aquatic Safety School Abu Dhabi this year.

Sasho’s aquatics journey began in 2008 on the deck at Wild Wadi Waterpark as an Ellis & Associates Shallow Water Lifeguard — the start of a career shaped by passion, mentorship, and a deep belief in developing people the right way. He went on to become an ILTP® Instructor, proudly crediting the Ellis & Associates philosophy and tools as foundational to his approach to building confident lifeguards and strong aquatic operations.

Across his career with Wild Wadi, the Jumeirah Group, and the pre-opening of Qiddiya’s Water Theme Park, where he served as Associate Director of Operations, Sasho has left a lasting mark on teams and cultures alike. Today, he continues to share his energy, expertise, and people-first leadership with the team at Dubai Holding Entertainment.

Known and loved by lifeguards around the world, Sasho brings heart, credibility, and unmistakable presence to everything he does — and we are absolutely thrilled to have him back where he belongs, inspiring the next generation of aquatic professionals at IASS Abu Dhabi.

Water Safety Products
WhiteWater West
World Waterpark Association

29/12/2025

Renee Stewart joins the IASS faculty for the first time, bringing hands-on leadership experience, straight-talking operational insight, and a genuine passion for people and performance. As Senior Manager at Aquaventure Atlantis Dubai, Renee helps lead daily operations and guest experience at one of the world’s most complex waterparks, building on her career across major attractions including Raging Waters and Wet’n’Wild Sydney. Known for her calm presence, high standards, and ability to bring teams with her, Renee is excited to share practical lessons from the frontline and contribute to the next generation of aquatic leaders.

26/12/2025

There’s no better way to wrap up the year than by welcoming a new leader into our global community! We’re proud to share that Renee Stewart has now achieved Ellis and Associates, Inc. Instructor Trainer status. Originally from Australia, Renee took a bold leap to Dubai, where she now serves as Senior Manager at Aquaventure Atlantis Dubai, managing operations at one of the most iconic waterparks globally.

A passionate traveler and respected industry leader with a great sense of humor, Renee brings an international perspective to the E&A Instructor Trainer community. She believes that commitment, consistency and care for every person we serve is what brings about results; and combined with her journey across the globe, this embodies what E&A is about - connecting expertise across continents while continuing to raise the bar for aquatic safety and leadership worldwide.

25/12/2025

We hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones - from all of our team at SST, to all of our clients, friends, partners, associates, instructors and lifeguards.

Thank you for being a part of our family and for the continued commitment to !

24/12/2025

This Christmas Eve, we’re unwrapping something special for the aquatic safety community -

is returning the IASS Abu Dhabi 2026 faculty!

From his early days as a Beach Lifeguard at Atlantis The Palm to leading and mentoring thousands of lifeguards across resorts, beaches and waterparks, Ezekiel’s journey has been defined by his heart and humility.

Those who’ve learned from him don’t just remember content, but remember how he made them feel: confident, capable and inspired. Recognised regionally for his impact and respected deeply by peers across the industry, Ezekiel represents the very best of aquatic safety leadership.

Today, as Operations Manager at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort’s Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, he continues to shape cultures of safety and excellence at scale and here is how he's making a difference at IASS Abu Dhabi this year.

World Waterpark Association

23/12/2025

Time to hear from another of our IASS Abu Dhabi 2026 faculty!

Ahmed Aziz is the Senior Manager of the Aquatics Department at Aquarabia Water Theme Park in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia - and someone who has quite literally built his career in the water. His journey began in Egypt in 2005 as a lifeguard and over the next two decades, carried him across the Middle East and into leadership roles at some of the region’s most ambitious waterparks.

After relocating to the UAE in 2016, Ahmed joined Wild Wadi Waterpark, progressing from lifeguard to Assistant Operations Manager through calm leadership, sharp operational insight and an uncompromising approach to safety. In 2021, those strengths led him to Saraya Aqaba Waterpark, where he was recruited to lead the pre-opening team as Head of Lifeguard Operations. There, Ahmed played a defining role in embedding world-class aquatic safety standards, positioning the park as Jordan’s first and largest waterpark.

With 20 years in the aquatic industry, Ahmed’s credentials extend well beyond the pool deck. He is a PADI-certified Master Scuba Diver Trainer and proudly holds the distinction of being the world’s first Arabic-speaking Instructor Trainer for Ellis and Associates.

When he is not leading teams, Ahmed can usually be found in the place that covers 71% of the planet: underwater. For the remaining 29%, he swaps fins for football boots and indulges his lifelong love of soccer. Here's what makes a difference means to him.

Water Safety Products
WhiteWater West
World Waterpark Association

19/12/2025

And with that, the SST and Ellis and Associates, Inc. 2025 Instructor Classes come to an end!

Our final instructor class for 2025 concluded yesterday in Dubai. An all star faculty lined up includ@_reneestewartt and along with new and renewal instructor candidates from multiple client facilities.

The threat of a storm didn't stop this group from learning, laughing, encouraging and empowering each other. Huge thanks to Renee and Drea for leading the way, to both Wild Wadi Waterpark and Atlantis Dubai for hosting and to all the attendees for their energy, passion and commitment to hashtag !

If you're looking to become an E&A instructor and already work at a client facility, head on over to Pectora and sign up for IASS Abu Dhabi. If you are not yet a client facility, send an enquiry to our team via this form https://wkf.ms/4kQl8VP so that we can get you sorted.

SST

13/01/2026

07/01/2026

05/01/2026

02/01/2026

31/12/2025

31/12/2025

29/12/2025

26/12/2025

25/12/2025

24/12/2025

23/12/2025

19/12/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share