2024 International Lifeguard of the Year
Today marks a historic milestone for ISLA as we proudly present the first-ever Lifeguard of the Year award! This honor celebrates an exceptional lifeguard whose expertise, humanitarian dedication, and unwavering commitment to ocean safety set a global standard for lifesaving. We are thrilled to present this prestigious inaugural award to Sierra Casper from San Diego Lifeguard Services.
About Sierra Casper: Lifeguard Extraordinaire
With over eight years as a lifeguard for the City of San Diego, Sierra has participated in four ISLA Operations, serving as both a lifeguard and instructor trainer. Her commitment to safety and her exemplary service have earned her a reputation as one of the most dependable and skilled lifeguards on the coast.
A Multi-Sport Athlete and Adventurer
In addition to her career as a lifeguard, Sierra is a multi-sport athlete. She has competed in national championships in three sports, including surfing as a member of the UCSD Surf Team and snowboarding semi-professionally, with sponsorship from Monster Energy. Her athletic prowess is matched only by her adventurous spirit, which has led her to some of the world’s most remarkable places.
Her passion for adventure took her to Mt. Everest Base Camp and to Maui, where a childhood dream led her to become a sailor on a Hawaiian sailboat, despite having no prior sailing experience. Sierra’s resourcefulness and determination came to the forefront during her time at sea when she used her EMT training to treat a coworker who sustained serious injuries after falling through the cabin top
A Commitment to Education and Lifesaving Excellence
Sierra’s dedication to saving lives goes beyond her immediate role as a lifeguard. She is a published researcher with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from UC San Diego. Her academic pursuits include a Diploma in Dive and Marine Medicine, where she focused on issues like pregnancy and wilderness travel. In 2024, Sierra was accepted into the prestigious Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, further underscoring her dedication to advancing medical knowledge and lifesaving techniques.
Her heroic actions in the field include a notable on-duty CPR effort, where she successfully revived a child at Mission Beach, demonstrating not only her skill and training but also her ability to stay calm under pressure.
Why Sierra Was Chosen as the 2024 International Lifeguard of the Year
Sierra Casper embodies everything that the 2024 Lifeguard of the Year award represents—excellence in water safety, leadership, and an unrelenting commitment to serving others. Her accomplishments both on and off the beach reflect the qualities that ISLA values in its lifeguards: bravery, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility to the communities they serve.
ISLA is proud to honor Sierra with this prestigious award, recognizing her achievements and inspiring lifeguards worldwide. Her ability to balance the demands of lifeguarding with a commitment to education and adventure sets a new standard for what it means to be a lifeguard. As the 2024 Lifeguard of the Year, Sierra demonstrates that being a lifeguard is about more than saving lives—it’s about leading with compassion and expertise.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Sierra?
As Sierra’s career continues to evolve, ISLA is excited to see the further impact she will have on the lifeguarding community and beyond. With her acceptance into the medical school at the University of Utah, Sierra’s commitment to lifesaving will expand even further, bringing her skills to new heights in the medical field. Her future is bright, and we look forward to supporting her in all her endeavors.
For more information on the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) and its mission to advance lifesaving efforts around the globe, please visit our About page.
Additional Resources on Lifeguarding
To learn more about the skills and training that make a lifeguard of the year, check out these external resources:
We encourage all lifeguards and ocean safety professionals to keep striving for lifeguard of the year, just like Sierra, as we work together to ensure safer beaches and oceans for all.