Prepare. Respond. Recover. Repeat.

Helping aquatic emergency responders when it matters most.

What we do?

The International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance is a not for profit non-governmental organization. We are here to help lifeguards and staff at aquatics organizations better prepare for, respond to and recover from a critical incident. Our training and consultation services help management teams facilitate better corporate resilience and team recovery after a critical incident.

Aquatic Critical Incident Response Team

Our Aquatic Critical Incident Response Team (AqCIRT) operates as an International Critical Incident Stress Foundation Accredited Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Accredited CISM Teams represent the highest level of recognition, reflecting advanced training and a strong commitment to excellence, accountability and ongoing professional development.

Book a Speaker

Our Clinical Directors and leadership are regularly invited to industry conferences and events to speak on critical incident management for aquatics professionals.

Training

From facility level Peer Support Certification, Emergency Management & Deescalation Training for aquatic leadership to Critical Incident Stress Management courses, we have your team covered.

Consulting

ILCIRA helps aquatic organizations build psychological preparedness into their operations, calibrated to their specific exposure profile – from pool to waterpark to open water. Through our Aquatic Professional Assistance Program (APAP), we deliver proactive resilience and peer support (RFA) alongside structured post-incident crisis intervention (AqCIRT), built on internationally recognized standards and designed by people who […]

Critical Incident Stress Management

Aligned with evidence-based best practice guidelines and international standards for crisis intervention.

Mission Overview

Experience & expertise, when your team needs it most.

The mission of the International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance (ILCIRA) is to empower emergency responders in the aquatics community to prepare for, manage, and recover from critical incidents. ILCIRA provides and coordinates access to education, training, consultation, and support that build psychological resilience before a critical incident and help responders better manage its aftermath.

ILCIRA envisions an aquatics industry where psychological preparedness and appropriate post-incident response are as fundamental as physical rescue readiness, in every facility and every aquatic environment.

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Aquatic Professional Assistance Program

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How you can help?

Donate Now

Help light the way back to the guard stand, with a one time or recurring gift. Join us in #HelpingLifeguardHeroes

Volunteer

Join our amazing mission and make a difference in our lifeguards’ lives across the globe. We will add you to our Volunteer Waiting List!

Contact us to request more information about booking a speaker for your next event.

Book a Speaker

Partners

Meet our Partners

Learn more about our strategic partnerships and like-minded organizations. Contact us at info@ilcira.org to learn how your organization or agency can join our efforts #HelpingLifeguardHeroes

University of Central Florida, Department of Industrial/Organizational Psychology

A research partnership extending ILCIRA’s ongoing collaboration with Kennesaw State University’s AMES Center, building the evidence base on critical incident prevalence and impact among lifeguards and aquatic professionals.

Association of Aquatic Professionals

The Association of Aquatic Professionals is a non-profit, cutting-edge professional membership-based organization. It is their goal to bring together professionals from all aspects of aquatics to network, educate, advocate, enrich, and improve the aquatics industry across the United States and internationally.

Kennesaw State University – Center for the Advancement of Military & Emergency Services (AMES) Research

The Center for AMES Research conducts multidisciplinary research to enhance the health and well-being of military, and emergency services personnel, their families, and communities. They serve as ILCIRA’s academic partner, helping us to ensure the quality & efficacy of our CISM program, and are championing research into the mental health of lifeguards.

Empathia Crisis Solutions

Supporting affected populations with compassionate resources before, during and after a crisis.

Hope Animal Assisted Crisis Response

We partner with Hope Animal Assisted Crisis Response to assist Aquatics Organizations in responding to a Critical Incident. Their certified handlers, partnered with their crisis response canines, have been trained to provide comfort and support to people who have experienced a recent crisis or difficult loss.

Crisis Text Line

Crisis Text Line provides high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention. Crisis Counselors help texters move from a hot moment to a cool calm to stay safe and healthy using effective active listening and approved referrals.

Crisis Response Canines

Crisis Response Canines’ mission is to provide strength, comfort, and emotional support to individuals, families, communities, and first responders experiencing intense traumatic emotions in the aftermath of critical incidents.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Founding Sponsors

DeRosa Aquatic Consulting

GOLD FOUNDING SPONSOR

Sears Pool Management Consultants

GOLD FOUNDING SPONSOR

Interested in supporting ILCIRA’s mission? Learn about sponsorship opportunities.