AIMS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES SAFETY AWARD RECIPIENTS
Ellis & Associates Awarded 2025 Safety Award; Jerry Aldrich To Receive Prestigious Lifetime Contribution Award
[DALLAS, TX] September 7, 2025 – AIMS International, the unmatched leader in amusement safety education, recognized two amusement industry veterans at Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards last night. Ellis & Associates, Inc was awarded the 2025 AIMS International Safety Award and amusement industry veteran Jerry Aldrich was awarded the prestigious AIMS International Lifetime Contribution Award.
The AIMS International Safety Award is presented annually to the individual or organization that demonstrates leadership, innovation, and foresight in improving safety in the amusement industry. Improvements to safety come in many forms: the design and implementation of new products and technology, the development of safety education programs and training, and through exemplary leadership in influencing others.
Ellis & Associates (E&A), was recognized for leadership, innovation, and foresight in improving safety within the amusement industry at last night’s awards ceremony held at Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, NC. The world leader in aquatic safety since 1983, E&A has been at the forefront of innovation for over 40 years.
With over 850 clients in 42 countries, E&A delivers more training in more languages than any other aquatics safety & risk management firm in the world. An industry pioneer, E&A was the first aquatic service provider to develop the rescue tube for in-water rescues, introduce the globally recognized 10/20-second and 10/3-minute protection standards, and create specialized lifeguard training programs for both shallow water and comprehensive emergency response. They were the first to integrate in-water rescue breathing technology, supplemental oxygen support with bag valve masks and non-rebreathers, and a unified curriculum combining first aid, CPR, oxygen administration, AED use, and lifeguarding skills. Their contributions also include professional accident investigation, advanced reporting systems, paperless training management, electronic credentials, and the establishment of International audit awards for aquatic safety excellence. Additionally, they achieved Model Aquatic Health Code certification for lifeguard supervisor training.
E&A has long supported AIMS International’s mission to advance safety education in the amusement industry and is the official aquatic safety curriculum provider at the annual safety seminar, ensuring a comprehensive and innovative program that provides the most current industry information and global trends.
“E&A has set the benchmark for innovation, training, and operational excellence in aquatic safety. Their contributions have not only advanced industry standards but have saved countless lives. It is an honor to present them with the AIMS International Safety Award in recognition of their enduring leadership and commitment to protecting guests and staff worldwide,” said Pat Hoffman, President, AIMS International Board of Directors.
Presented for only the fourth time in its 30-year history, the AIMS Lifetime Contribution Award was given to Jerry Adrich of Amusement Industry Consulting in recognition of outstanding dedication and service to AIMS International.
Aldrich is a globally recognized leader in the amusement and attractions industry, with over 50 years of experience, including 27 years at the Walt Disney Company. He has visited and assessed over 150 amusement venues worldwide, contributing to safety, operations, and guest experience standards.
Throughout his career in the amusement industry, Aldrich has been actively involved with AIMS International (AIMS), ASTM International (ASTM), the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA).
Aldrich’s active membership in the ASTM International Committee F24 has led to the development and implementation of international safety standards widely adopted across the industry today.
Aldrich is a long-time contributor and instructor at the annual AIMS Safety Seminar speaking on a broad range of safety topics and lending his experience and expertise to encourage other professionals on their path to leadership in the industry. In addition, Aldrich has delivered operational safety training to students in Mexico, Singapore, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Aldrich is a recipient of the ASTM International Jimmy Floyd Award for outstanding leadership and technical contributions to global amusement ride safety standards; a recipient of the AIMS Antonio Zamperla Award for Operational Safety in the Amusement Industry, and the AIMS Frank Hrubetz Award for outstanding contribution to Amusement Ride Safety in the Carnival Industry.
“Jerry has been a dedicated servant of industry safety and a driver of operational excellence across fixed parks, mobile amusements, and major league sports facilities for 5 decades,” said Tony Claassen AIMS International Past President. “From his early days at Disney to an extensive second career at Amusement Industry Consulting, Jerry has been a mentor and a force for good in the industry.”
Past winners of the prestigious AIMS International Safety Award include:
2024 – Patty Beazley
2023 – Jeff Abendshien and ASTM F24 Committee
2022 – CW Craven
2021 – Hugo Loyola
2020 – John Riggleman
2019 – Ronald E. Burback
2018 – Patrick Hoffman
2017 – Har Kupers
2016 – Harold Hudson
Past winners of the prestigious AIMS International Lifetime Contribution Award include:
2024 – Jim Seay
2019 – Gary Slade
2018 – Mark Moore
2006 – Pat Hoffman
Early bird registration for the annual AIMS International Safety Seminar opens on September 15. The 2026 seminar will take place January 11-16 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Orlando, Florida.
To learn more visit aimsintl.org today.
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About AIMS International
AIMS International is a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association dedicated to improving amusement industry safety through leadership in education. AIMS International provides educational courses and certification programs for ride inspectors, operations, aquatics and maintenance personnel through its annual Safety Seminar and at other venues throughout the year. AIMS also serves to inform its members on issues relating to the amusement industry and presents an Annual Safety Award recognizing a person or organization that has made a significant impact or contribution in improving safety in the amusement industry.
Additional details about AIMS International are available by visiting www.aimsintl.org.
