The ISLA Experience: Alexis Fender

Meet ISLA’s volunteer lifeguard, Alexis Fender. She joined our lifeguard trip to Nicaragua. Read more about her and her ISLA Experience.

When did you start lifeguarding?

I have lifeguarded for four years, I started lifeguarding at the age of 15. I started lifeguarding because my brother lifeguarded, and I thought it was the coolest job anyone could ask for. I always knew I wanted to help others and my passion has always been the water, so it was the perfect summer job while I was in high school.

Once I got involved with lifeguarding, I quickly realized it was more than a job where you just got paid to tan, that was when I really fell in love with lifeguarding. Lifeguarding is about helping others and protecting/saving lives. You get paid in the rewards of every swimmer going home after you get off work.

What is your favorite aspect of being a lifeguard?

I love coming home at the end of the day knowing I made a difference in someone’s life.

What can you tell us about yourself?

I am just a normal college student trying to find my place in this world. While in high school my favorite thing to do was swim and help others improve their swimming skills, and educating citizens about the dangers of the water. I am originally from Missouri, and when I heard about ISLA I was 15. I always dreamt of experiences like this, and never thought I would get the chance. So here I am, 19 and going on my first International Project. I am currently working on my Private Pilot’s License and hope to have that soon. I am going to school online to receive my Bachelor’s in Aeronautics in hopes of becoming an airline pilot.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are swimming, water skiing, hiking, being outdoors and I have recently learned to surf.

What is your favorite beach?

My favorite beaches would have to be the beaches of Cancun, Mexico just because I love the serenity of the surf, white sand and turquoise waters.

What inspires you?

People & travel inspire me. I am influenced by many things, and some would say I am easily inspired.

What interests you the most about ISLA?

I love the way ISLA gives people the opportunity to expand their knowledge and experiences while helping others at the same time. I heard about ISLA when I was 15, and the thought of going on an International Project has been a dream come true.

Can you share any stories with us about your Nicaraguan trip?

Justin, Henry, Angela and I’s first night at the beaches we had a sail boat wash ashore, unmanned and we got to deal with some ‘pirates’. We never got the full story on it. The last day we were coming back to Managua and we weren’t quite sure how we were going to get back… Shortly we found out we were going to be riding in the back of this huge truck with 6 guard stands in it, holding on for dear life, ducking for power lines and tree limbs. It was great to experience the way the locals do things.

What was the highlight of this year’s trip?

The highlight of this year’s trip would have to be the amount of lives we touched, coming home knowing you made a difference is an unforgettable feeling.

What is lifeguarding during Semana Santa like?

CRAZY! Having never been on this trip, I had no idea what to expect and I learned very shortly to expect the unexpected. Our first day was insane and we had a lot of rip rescues. After the first day it kind of slowed down but we still had some minor first aid and tons of preventatives. I learned very quickly to expect the unexpected.

How will you continue to prevent drowning and create Awareness for the global drowning epidemic after your ISLA Trip?

When I return from my ISLA Trip I will continue To Prevent Drowning And Create Awareness For the Global Drowning Epidemic by using the necessary tools to educate my fellow citizens and beach-goers about the dangers of the ocean. I will continue to stress that education about these dangers be necessary to keep our waters safe and an enjoyable past-time for patrons. I will use the lessons and tips from my trip to help effectively prevent drowning.

Describe yourself in three words.

Ambitious, Caring, Determined