Professional Lifeguard Instructor Trainers recognized for achievement and dedication as elite aquatic safety professionals
May 6, 2026
Ellis & Associates, the world leader in aquatic safety and risk management since 1983, is proud to announce newly recognized Associate and Senior Associate honorees for 2026. These honorees are part of a dedicated group of more than 100 aquatic industry leaders who have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to lifeguard development and swimmer safety. As professional lifeguard Instructor Trainers (ITs), these Associates play a vital role in training lifeguards at their facility and around the world. E&A Senior Associate honorees have served as an active IT and Associate for ten years or more with a proven track record of leadership and professional excellence.
2026 New Associates Honorees:
Will Alsamerei, The Amenity Collective
Krissy Costill, The Amenity Collective
Mike Cote, Gold Fish Swim School
Stormy Czupil, American Resort Management
Jiith Dharmendra, Ocean Park Hong Kong
Dr. Ahmed El Sandoby, Dubai Municipality
John Famiano, Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
Denzel Flowers, Jeff Ellis Management
Christina Hill, Typhoon Texas Waterpark
Vorrawan “Boom” James, Andamanda Phuket
D’Anna Johnson, Wilderness at the Smokies
Lindsey Lambert, Six Flags White Water
Sammy Linnenbrink, The Waterpark at Wild Island
Danny Murillo, Cedar Fair
Jennifer Rich, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Madeleine Steward, Splash Kingdom
Renee Stewart, Aquaventure World Dubai
Morgan Walker, Sandcastle Water Park
2026 New Senior Associate Honorees:
Joe Eckman, Nashville Shores Waterpark
Megan Hartmann, Dutch Wonderland
Aundrea Nieto, Aquarabia Quiddiya City
Melanie Scholz, Great Wolf Lodge – Wisconsin Dells
Maggie Thomas, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown
Keenan Weiss, Great Wolf Lodge - Manteca
Bri Wilde, Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
New honorees join current Associates in more than 43 countries in making a undeniable impact on the aquatic industry, personally impacting thousands of lifeguards and Instructors through their courses and advocacy.
“To become an Associate and Instructor Trainer with Ellis & Associates, an instructor must not only be qualified to train lifeguards, they must also be able to train other Trainers to convey that same level of high standards to others,” said Richard A. RAC Carroll, E&A Senior Vice President and COO. “Associates also represent E&A in their community, region or around the world. Their personal and professional commitment to accountability and excellence is to be commended and we thank them for their hard work.”
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About Ellis and Associates:
Founded in 1983, Ellis & Associates, also known as E&A, is an international aquatic safety and risk management consulting firm dedicated to the prevention and elimination of loss due to drowning. With more than 850 Clients in 43 countries, E&A provides lifeguard instructor training, aquatic risk management services, accident investigation, litigation support, emergency care training, learn to swim and continuing education programs. Learn more here.
About Safety Skills Training:
Safety Skills Training (SST) is a Dubai-based aquatic safety consultancy that delivers E&A's risk management services to international clients in over 40 countries. By partnering with waterparks, aquatic centres, resorts and schools SST strengthens real-world safety for facilities through risk management and audit solutions that go beyond certification and training. SST helps clients identify risk, close gaps and build systems that keep people safe, with one goal in mind: zero drownings. Learn more at sstworldwide.com.