New Global Partnership Helps Lifeguards Increase Water Safety for Individuals With Autism

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., February 21, 2020 (Newswire.com) - ​Ellis & Associates (E&A), the world leader in aquatic safety and risk management consulting, has joined the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in an effort to provide autism training and certification to lifeguards around the globe. This proprietary program is designed to strengthen aquatic safety for individuals with autism and other cognitive disorders. The partnership will make IBCCES training and certification available to lifeguards internationally through E&A training and certification programs. Currently, one in 59 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, with diagnosis rates rising in countries all over the world.

“Since 1983, Ellis & Associates has been at the forefront of researching, developing and teaching advanced lifeguard skills,” said Richard “RAC” Carroll, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Ellis & Associates. “Partnering with IBCCES gives our team of instructors the power to immediately impact aquatic safety and guest service while meeting the needs of those with autism and their family members. With our global reach, this fantastic Lifeguard Autism Training will be immediately available to aquatic facilities, large and small, around the world.”

According to the National Autism Association, drowning is among the leading causes of death of individuals with autism, and many individuals on the autism spectrum have an affinity for water. With the creation of the IBCCES Lifeguard Autism Training program, the goal is to reduce that statistic. The certification program will focus on the latest research and best practices for autism awareness and education, identifying and assisting individuals with autism, as well as communication strategies to help lifeguards when interacting with parents and caregivers as well as individuals with autism.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel and recreation options. More families and individuals are seeking out destinations and organizations that have completed a certification program through an accredited source. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization of its kind providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based information as well as the perspectives of individuals with autism, alongside other tools and resources and renewal requirements to ensure the program is a long-term commitment and has a lasting impact.

“Ellis & Associates is the industry leader in aquatic safety and the fact that they understand the needs of this growing population and have partnered with us to ensure lifeguards have access to the best training and certification is impressive and will help so many people,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. 

The next step in this partnership will be a training information session presented by IBCCES Feb. 25 at Safety School East powered by E&A in Abu Dhabi. For more information about the global lifeguard training and certification, visit ibcces.org/lifeguard_certification.

CONTACTS:

Meredith Tekin, President of IBCCES
Phone: 904.508.0135 // 904.434.1534
Email: meredith@ibcces.org

Debbie Evans for E&A
Phone: 410.303.8016
Email: debbie@evansmarketingpartners.com

Source: IBCCES