STA AND FSG EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO 2012
13.2.2008
The STA has extended its international partnership agreement with the First Security Group (FSG) until 2012. The Dubai based specialist security and training company has also confirmed that they plan to increase the range of qualifications they deliver over this period, which will include more of the STA’s specialist swimming teaching and pool management certificates.
The significance of this joint venture means that thousands more people working and living in Dubai, the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will have the opportunity to access the full range of STA’s QCA accredited lifeguarding, swimming, first aid and pool management qualifications; and with FSG, as part of this agreement, committing to provide added professional instruction, standards of swimming and water safety on beaches, and at hotel and municipal pools will ultimately be raised in these regions.
STA’s partnership with FSG first began in 2005, and to date thousands of STA qualifications have been delivered, ranging from lifesaving, pool and spa plant operations, to first aid and swimming teaching.
Roger Millward, STA’s Chief Executive said: “Our relationship with FSG is strategically very important. The success of the last three years has illustrated that by working in partnership and providing proven training programmes and qualifications, we can improve water safety awareness in economically developing countries, and in turn help to save many lives in the process.”
“To date we have only really scratched the surface, and this is what makes this announcement so exciting. The potential opportunity for swimming and lifeguard training in these regions is immense, and we are thrilled that FSG has committed to a long-term partnership with STA. Together we can directly raise standards in the leisure industry throughout the region for the benefit of all – local residents, businesses and tourists.”
Robert Chandler, General Manager for Training and Development at FSG added: “On retiring from more than 35 years each of active police service in Dubai, the ten Major Generals came together to form a company that had the enhancement of Dubai’s safety and security as its core responsibility. Preservation of life and personal safety was one of the key aspects incorporated in the company vision. Our partnership with the STA is about entrenching a Global brand into our organisation that has the accompanying skills and expertise to lead the community, and support our objectives of saving lives and preventing injury.”
The commitment from both the STA and FSG to forge this long-partnership also comes at a very significant and important time for the region. Dubai’s magnitude as an all year-round international tourism destination is growing, resulting in a demand for enhanced safety and security measures at pools and beaches. Robert explains: “Dubai started out with a beach front of a mere 165 kilometres and it is planned to extend this to more than 1,500 kilometres by means of innovative reclamation, channelling and construction methodology. Thus it stands to reason that water safety must feature highly on programs addressing personal safety.”
For further information about the STA please call 01922 645097, email sta@sta.co.uk
EDITORS NOTES
STA (also known as the Swimming Teachers’ Association)
STA is a UK based educational charity that has been training professional swimming teachers all over the world for 75 years, and its prime objective is ‘preserving lives by teaching swimming, life saving and survival techniques’.
This is all in addition to being the only awarding body that has QCA approval for its National Rescue Standard (NaRS) Lifeguarding / Lifesaving and First Aid Awards, Swimming Teaching Certificates and Pool Plant programmes.
STA, through its international arm, the IFSTA, also has partners organisations in China, Singapore, Taiwan, Netherlands and Ireland, as part of its long-term commitment to reduce deaths by drowning, by improving standards in teaching swimming, life saving and other survival techniques.
First Security Group
Following its formation in 1971, the United Arab Emirates made vast and rapid strides in creating an economically stable country, while creating a secure environment for its citizens, residents, business and industry. Today, the country’s status as one of the world’s preferred destinations for business and leisure is a testament to the success of the visionary approach and unwavering focus of its leaders. First Security Group (L.L.C.) was founded in May 2004 by the ten men responsible for the establishment of Dubai’s Law Enforcement and Security infrastructure, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Today, First Security Group offers a comprehensive range of security and safety services which comply with the latest international industry standards and requirements. The company is operating through several divisions including Corporate Services, Health & Safety, Guarding, Special Projects, Maritime and Training Centre.
For further comments from STA, please contact:
Samantha Stewart
Imagine Communications
Tel: 01746 763576
