Jeff Ellis Management

10/20/2026

🎉 Happy 10/20 Day!

In aquatics, every second counts. The 10/20 Protection™ standard is a guiding principle that is followed when on duty. Following this standard means that from your duty station, you are able to scan your Zone of Protection® area within 10 seconds. If a guest in distress is recognized, you activate your EAP and safely reach the guest in distress within 20 seconds.

Developed by Jeff Ellis and fellow aquatic safety professionals, this industry standard reinforces the importance of vigilance, rapid response, and consistent lifeguard performance.

10/19/2026

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 – 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫

𝗝𝗘𝗠: Tell us how you got started in aquatic maintenance.

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁: Having grown up in Washington state, water has always been a part of my life, whether it was a lake (waterskiing), a pool (swimming and diving), or the rain. I grew up with a community pool across the street and was an active member of the swim and dive team, as well as a lifeguard. That’s where my introduction to water safety comes into play, as we had to check water chemistry and keep an eye out for slip, trip, and fall hazards. It was a huge part of my summers, and safety was always at the forefront of my mind for every job thereafter.

𝗝𝗘𝗠: What is one of your favorite accomplishments?

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁: When I was younger, my parents sent me to California to attend the Dale Carnegie “How to Win Friends and Influence People” four-day seminar. Being the youngest one there, I had some peers take me under their wing and really help me come out of my shell. I parlayed that experience with a little levity, and voilà, my personality blossomed. That was a very integral time of my youth that I will always cherish. Later in life, my beautiful wife and kids have been highlights, and being named JEM’s Employee of the Year will always be a major highlight moving forward.

𝗝𝗘𝗠: If there is one thing you could advise someone who wants to work in a role like yours, in aquatic maintenance and lagoons, what would you suggest?)

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁: I always subscribe to the “trust but verify” mentality, as well as treating people the way you would like to be treated. I am a firm but fair leader who understands that everyone has things going on and that sometimes life happens. Compassion and integrity are key survival techniques. One of my favorite sayings is, “God gave us two ears and one mouth: listen twice as much as you talk.”

𝗝𝗘𝗠: What do you like to do for fun?

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁: I moved to California in 2014 and have enjoyed the sunshine and palm trees, but my happy place is on the golf course and spending time with my wife now that we are empty nesters.

https://www.ellislifeguard.com/leadership-spotlight-scott-steiger/

10/13/2026

Aloha to an unforgettable summer! 🌴

Our JEM Work Travel & Internship participants wrapped up their time in Hawaiʻi with a traditional Hawaiian lūʻau, celebrating the experiences, friendships, and memories made along the way!

Through our Hawaii operations, offers Work Travel and Internship opportunities during summer, fall, and winter sessions, giving participants the chance to gain valuable experience in aquatics while exploring what these beautiful islands have to offer.

Interested in joining a future session? DM us your email address to be notified when applications open!

10/05/2026

Be sure to stop by booth #1029 to meet our team, explore the latest in training and technology, and learn how, together, we can continue to push toward our shared mission of .

Be sure to stop by booth #1029 to meet our team, explore the latest in training and technology, and learn how, together, we can continue to push toward our shared mission of .

You won't want to miss a demo of one of our latest education tools, EllisXR, featuring virtual reality lifeguard training.

We look forward to seeing you in Vegas!

10/01/2026

Why should you work as an ?

We’ve got 10 great reasons why! From making a difference and building valuable skills to being part of an incredible team, check out our Top 10 reasons to sign up for a class and join a facility near you.

09/21/2026

And that’s a wrap on our summer Global ISTs!

Our VP of Risk Management Johnny Quest made the final stop of the summer alongside Director of Operations Bethany Brown in Hawaii for our last Global In-service Training of the summer.

From coast to coast all the way to the islands of Hawaii, our teams have spent the summer sharpening skills, strengthening readiness, and continuing our commitment to and .

Mahalo to everyone!

09/10/2026

𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 – 𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒒𝒖𝒊 𝑨𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒔

𝐉𝐄𝐌: Tell us how you got started in aquatics.

𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢: I started in aquatics in 2011 at Disney’s Waterparks, working on the front line as a lifeguard before gradually moving into training and supervisory roles. Those early years taught me accountability, safety, leadership, training, and how to make quick, effective decisions under pressure. As I grew in the industry, I became more involved in coordinating events, managing schedules and budgets, and leading larger projects, which naturally led me toward project management. In 2019, I made the difficult decision to step away from aquatics to pursue project management in the trade show industry. During that time, I strengthened my skills in planning, client communication, process improvement, and delivering results on strict timelines.

In 2021, I returned to aquatics with Jeff Ellis Management as a Training Specialist, where my passion and strengths aligned best. Coming back with a project management mindset allowed me to approach aquatic operations more strategically; improving systems, better supporting staff and clients, and driving long-term program success while staying connected to the mission of Zero Drownings. Ultimately, I’m in this role because I’m passionate about aquatic safety through high quality training and ensuring staff are not just certified but truly prepared to protect lives and support one another.

𝐉𝐄𝐌: What is one of your favorite accomplishments?

𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢: One of my most meaningful accomplishments was mentoring a staff member through two separate emergencies in the same week. During the first incident, she struggled with confidence and ex*****on and afterward came to me feeling shaken and unsure of herself. I could see how deeply the experience affected her. Over the next few days, we worked closely together. I broke down each skill, explained the “why” behind every step, and gave her tips on how to stay grounded and calm in high pressure moments. When she faced another emergency later that week, the transformation was incredible. She responded with confidence, took control of the situation, executed the skills effectively, and guided her team with clarity and purpose. That moment reinforced why leadership and training matter so much. It wasn’t just about saving a life, but also about helping someone believe in themselves when it mattered most. Watching her grow in confidence and eventually build a full-time career in the aquatic industry was an honor to witness.

𝐉𝐄𝐌: If there is one thing you can advise to those who want to work a role like yours, what would you suggest?

𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢: Start by mastering the basics and fundamentals. Be the lifeguard others trust. Strong skills, calm and decisive action, and consistent [...]

Read the rest on our blog! https://www.ellislifeguard.com/leadership-spotlight-jacqui-andrews/

09/07/2026

09/04/2026

A few glimpses of the many Instructor courses we teach each year!

Becoming an ILTP® Instructor is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to take your passion for aquatics and teaching to the next level.

While some Instructor courses take place in the fall, most happen in the spring. If becoming an ILTP® Instructor is something that interests you, start the conversation with your team today.

Your next step could be closer than you think!