SST

24/11/2025

6 days left to apply for your chance to attend the International Aquatic Safety School 2026 on a fully paid scholarship basis!

We’re proud to honour the memory of Vera Solis, an incredible leader who believed teaching was a privilege. If you’re a current or future leader who would love to spend a week learning from some of the industry’s finest, meeting new people and being inspired, check out the details below.

One deserving applicant will have their tuition paid in full, the cost of a shared room and 3 meals per day covered, and, if needed, an economy fare round trip air ticket. Literally, all you need to do is showcase your passion for the industry and demonstrate a commitment to “pay it forward”.

Submit the following to info@sstworldwide.com before the 30th of November 2025 to be considered:

1) a 500 word essay detailing your experience so far to the industry, what you’ve done to make an impact and how attending IASS will help you with this in future
2) a reference from someone in the industry who can attest to your efforts and commitment to , with empathy, integrity and a passion for teaching
3) confirmation from your manager that if you are selected, you’ll be released from duty to attend 🙂

17/11/2025

Here's a face that many of you will know!

We're excited to share that Jinith Dharmendra has attained Instructor Trainer status - well done!

Currently working in Hong Kong, Jinith calls the ILTP® "the best" program he has worked with. Being an instructor trainer is a responsibility and commitment to upholding the highest standards, but also, to mentoring and developing the industry that is coming behind you.

Thank you Jinith for sharing some of your IT experience - and for keeping it real!

Was Jinith a part of your career journey? Do you have a story or memory or word of encouragement for him? Drop a comment below and celebrate his accomplishment with him!

14/11/2025

11 day countdown til teams battle it out in the Wild Wadi Waterpark GCC Lifeguard Invitational!

We're proud to support the second of these fun but challenging skill scenarios - making sure that our lifeguards are -ready (always), connect with and learn from our fellow facilities in the region, AND just have a whole lot of fun.

Will we see YOU there?!

13/11/2025

Ready to make new connections and deepen the existing relationships you have in the industry? The International Aquatic Safety School offers you formal certification, leadership development and the best networking opportunities with people from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong, Riyadh to Sydney and just about everywhere in between!

REGISTRATION IS ACTIVE NOW in Pectora and the discounted hotel rooms are only available for another few weeks, so make sure you are getting everything lined up for your spot to be secured!

Exclusive to our client facilities, if you need more information or want to find out about making your facility a partner, please send us a contact request by clicking this link: https://wkf.ms/4kQl8VP

February 8th - 13th, 2026: The Best Week of The Year 🧡💙

10/11/2025

Delighted to announce:

The 2026 Vera Solis “Pay it Forward” Scholarship - International Aquatic Safety School Abu Dhabi!

In honour of Vera Solis, whose career and mentorship embodied the mission of 'zero drownings,' one international candidate will receive full tuition, room and board, and airfare to attend IASS Abu Dhabi 2026 (February 8–13, UAE)*

Applicants must be affiliated with an Ellis & Associates-licensed facility and demonstrate leadership, passion for aquatic safety, and a commitment to teaching others.

If you share Vera’s belief in developing the next generation of aquatic leaders, apply now and show how you will hashtag .

Deadline: 30 November 2025 | Announcement: 15 December 2025

*full terms and conditions apply

07/11/2025

Some of our awesome instructors got together this week with the SST team at the incredible Surf Abu Dhabi for QW4 2025's Regional Instructor In Service!

From refreshing skills to swapping teaching ideas, this time together enabled everyone to walk away better than they arrived. Different facilities bring different viewpoints: representatives from waterparks to schools to hotels all came together as we continue in our One Mission.

If you believe in and want to find out more about how SST can support you in that goal, reach out to us today by filling out the form below.

https://wkf.ms/4kQl8VP

27/10/2025

We've loved Charne Schnetler for almost 10 years at SST - check out this great article with her for what her top tips to an epic safety culture are, plus the trends she sees coming in the future that help us all work towards reducing death by drowning.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/behind-splash-charne-schnetler-client-services-director-ucttf/?trackingId=0z3HbKSQTtaFzJlltucrYw%3D%3D

Proud of your growth and commitment to the industry Charne, and we are lucky to have you heading up our EMEA Client Services 😃

Followers - drop a 🔥 or a comment if Charne was a positive influence in your journey below!

A spotlight series on professionals in the entertainment industry. As we continue to bring together and celebrate the water park community in the Middle East and North Africa, we are turning our attention to the champions of aquatic safety with a feature on Charne Schnetler, Client Services Director

24/10/2025

REGIONAL INSTRUCTOR IN SERVICE IS BACK!!

Tuesday 4th November
7am - 10am
Surf Abu Dhabi

Get ready to rock your rashguard at Surf Abu Dhabi for the morning on Monday 4th November when we get together as a regional team of instructors and go back to some basics of objective driven learning!

We do need you to register in advance: please email to secure your spot!

charne.schnetler@sstworlwide.com
info@sstworldwide.com

WE WILL SEE YOU IN ABU DHABI!!!

21/10/2025

It’s great to see people becoming both more cognisant of the need for a safety culture but also more confident in our industry!

Sean Stepowany, Client Services Director for SST shared his insights with a keen and interested audience. It’s always a pleasure for us to meet with current partners and engage with potential clients at events like TAAPE-Thailand Amusement & Attraction Parks Expo - thank you for having us!

17/10/2025

Ellis and Associates and SST are proud to announce Dr Ahmed El Sandoby as an Instructor Trainer, an achievement reflecting dedication to leadership, safety and excellence in aquatics.

Currently a Senior Safety Officer with Dubai Municipality, he oversees operations across public beaches and waterways.

His hands-on leadership, commitment to innovation, and meticulous approach to risk management have made a lasting impact on community safety and operational standards in Dubai.

13/10/2025

Registrations are rolling in - do we have yours yet??

Not sure what IASS East is all about? What sets it apart from a regional instructor class? Hear from some of our faculty, our school directors and our attendees and then decide if you’re signing up for the 2026 edition!

24/07/2025

Calling all SST and Ellis and Associates clients worldwide.

Kennesaw State University and ILCIRA are conducting an important study that has the potential to impact past, current, and future generations of aquatic professionals across the globe.

Please take time to register for the survey and provide your vital feedback about your experiences. Find the link and other information listed in the post below.

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