Our Story
FLOAT was established in 2025 by the founders of Ellis International, the global leader in aquatic safety and facility management. Drawing on more than four decades of operational excellence, risk mitigation and lifeguard training leadership, Ellis International serves more than 850 client partners across 42 countries – supporting projects from early concept development and safety consulting through construction, opening and ongoing daily operations.
FLOAT was launched to deliver Ellis’ category-defining expertise to underserved communities, beginning with a unique partnership with the Sean Connery Foundation. The Foundation was created by the estate of the late Sir Sean Connery to honor his legacy by supporting education and ocean conservation in his birthplace of Scotland and in The Bahamas, where he lived for more than 30 years. With more than 95% of the population in The Bahamas unable to swim, the Ministry of Education joined with the Sean Connery Foundation to create the Every Bahamian Swimming initiative to revolutionize water safety and swimming proficiency across the Bahamas. To help bring the project to fruition, Ellis International contributed state-of-the-art equipment, world-class swim instruction and water safety training and expertise.
Every Bahamian Swimming served as a catalyst for aligning Ellis International’s four decades of charitable efforts worldwide under one philanthropic umbrella, leading to the conception of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit FLOAT.
Support The Mission
FLOAT relies on the generosity of private donors, corporate partners, charitable foundations and volunteers to advance its mission to save lives and enable people of all ages and abilities to safely enjoy the fun and wellness benefits of swimming.
