The ISLA Experience: Melisa Garrone

In this spotlight interview, we dive into the journey of Melisa Garrone, a passionate lifeguard and athlete who has dedicated over a decade of her life to water safety. With experience in more than six countries, Melisa shares her personal journey, the lessons she’s learned, and her invaluable experiences volunteering with ISLA.

Melisa Garrone, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m from Villa Regina, Argentina, and I’ve worked as a lifeguard for 12 years. This job is my passion. I love helping people and learning something new every day. I’m also a physical education teacher and an athlete, which has been a part of my life since I was five years old. I enjoy reading books, listening to podcasts, practicing sports, and spending time with friends during my downtime.

What motivated you to become a lifeguard, and how has it shaped your personal journey?

I’ve been a swimmer all my life, and I’ve always had a deep passion for medicine and sports. Lifeguarding felt like the perfect career for me, and what motivates me most is the ability to help others—not just by saving lives, but also by teaching and sharing what I’ve learned from different environments and people.

Who has been your biggest inspiration or mentor in lifeguarding?

My mentor in first aid and patient care is Paul, another ISLA veteran. In terms of rescue techniques, I learned a lot from Matias, a colleague from Santa Teresa. I tend to learn new techniques from many people, but Matias stands out as a key influence.

Melisa Garrone, how has your perspective on lifesaving or water safety evolved over time?

Every year, something changes in the field. Humanity is constantly evolving, so I make it a point to stay updated on new techniques and scientific research. My experiences also help me adapt my approach depending on where I am and the equipment available.

How do your hobbies and interests outside of lifeguarding complement your passion for water safety?

My love for medicine, sports, and water activities perfectly aligns with my role as a lifeguard. I also enjoy traveling, which is why I’m so drawn to ISLA’s projects. They allow me to combine my passions while helping communities worldwide.

What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?

I’m actually quite introverted, and I’m probably the worst dancer and singer ever! I’ve had a lot of accidents in my life, so I jokingly say I have seven lives.

Melisa Garrone, where have you worked as a lifeguard?

I started working in swimming pools in Argentina, then moved to a river in my hometown. I expanded my experience in Brazil and became an expert in Costa Rica. I’ve worked in over six countries, including the USA, Brazil, Salvador, Argentina, Costa Rica, Australia, Nicaragua, and India.

How did you get into lifeguarding?

My interest in lifeguarding started when I wanted to work on the river in my hometown. That curiosity led me to pursue a career in water safety.

Why are you a lifeguard, and what do you love most about the role?

Lifeguarding allows me to do rescues and first aid, though I always prioritize prevention. What I love most about the role is being outdoors on the beach and in nature.

Melisa Garrone, what’s your favorite piece of rescue equipment and why?

My favorite is the rescue tube. It’s made of foam, so it’s gentle on the victim, offers less resistance in the water, and helps me keep the person attached while reducing the risk of losing them. However, it doesn’t last long due to the material.

What drew you to volunteer with ISLA, and how did you feel when you were selected?

I first heard about ISLA from a friend, and when I applied, I was nervous but excited. I was thrilled when I was selected, especially for the Nicaragua project, which seemed like an amazing opportunity to teach.

What was your ISLA experience like?

Every ISLA project is unique and incredible. I’ve met amazing people and learned so much from each project. It’s always a rewarding experience.

Melisa Garrone, share a standout moment from your recent ISLA operation. How did it impact you?

My last project in India had a huge impact on me. The lifeguards there are so dedicated and passionate about their beaches. The cultural differences and the way they live left a lasting impression. It’s hard to put into words how much that experience changed me.

What was the most surprising thing you learned during this ISLA operation?

I was surprised by the lack of support lifeguards receive in certain regions, despite being a crucial part of public safety. I also learned about the overwhelming crowding on beaches in both India and Nicaragua during peak seasons.

What was the most rewarding part of working with local lifeguards and communities during the operation?

The local lifeguards and communities were so welcoming and eager to learn. It was incredibly fulfilling to see them open up to new techniques and ideas.

Melisa Garrone, what challenges did you face during your ISLA operation, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was working with very few lifeguards on crowded beaches. It was physically and mentally exhausting. Educating and preventing incidents in countries with less water safety infrastructure was also a significant challenge.

What was it like working with lifeguards and community members from a different culture?

It was an amazing, unique experience. Working in a different culture took me out of my comfort zone but allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.

What do you think is ISLA’s most significant contribution to global water safety?

Education. ISLA’s focus on sharing knowledge and empowering communities is key to improving water safety worldwide.

Melisa Garrone, how do you think ISLA’s work is making a difference in the locations it serves?

ISLA isn’t driven by profit. Its focus is purely on helping people and reducing drownings, which is incredibly impactful.

How has this experience influenced your goals as a lifeguard or volunteer?

Each project has given me a new perspective on my career, helping me learn and grow as a lifeguard.

In what ways do you feel you’ve grown personally or professionally through this experience?

I’ve learned to adapt to different environments and cultures, which has broadened my horizons and made me more flexible as a lifeguard.

Melisa Garrone, if you could share one message with someone considering becoming an ISLA volunteer, what would it be?

Leadership isn’t defined by the number of followers but by the footprints you leave behind. Leading by example is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Describe the operation in three words.

Awesome, fun, professional.

If you could travel anywhere for a future ISLA operation, where would it be and why?

I’d love to go to Africa. I don’t know much about the continent, and I’m curious to see how they approach lifesaving there. Bangladesh is also a place I’d love to visit, as it has one of the highest drowning rates in the world.

Melisa Garrone, what’s next for you as a volunteer or in your lifeguarding career?

I’ve just arrived in Australia to learn more about their system. If I have the opportunity, I’d love to become a paramedic, as it would be a perfect complement to my lifeguarding experience.