The ISLA Experience: Hannah Wrenn

Meet ISLA’s volunteer global lifeguard, Hannah Wrenn. She joined ISLA for our Nicaragua Lifeguard trip for the 2nd year in a row. Read more about her and her ISLA Experience…

When did you start lifeguarding?

I have been a lifeguard since I was able to start working. I began competitive swimming at the age of 6, and I always looked up to the lifeguards (literally). It was living on an island that brought the interest in Ocean Rescue/lifeguarding upon me. I enrolled in the Junior lifeguard program since I wasn’t old enough to work at the time. And fell in love. I even received a phone call from the supervisor/ Jr LG instructor asking me if I could work the beach, but unfortunately I had to be one year older. But sure enough, the next year I was there. With a 5+ year record, each year I was moving on up; supervising opportunities, Jr LG instructing, training, and regional LG competitions. In the midst of guarding for the beach, I also worked part time as a head guard at our local YMCA. I attended EMT school, after a couple years of attending FSCJ.

What can you tell us about yourself?

I am a bubbly person whom was raised on an island. I believe my ultimate goal and purpose in life is to help. From helping people working as a lifeguard, and EMT to my current work now; working in a non for profit local Humane Society. I enjoy helping both people and the animals. My life goals are to continue to follow a path of whatever makes me happy, and to continue to do it! I will be (hopefully) attending Vet school this upcoming summer. This is one of my many hobbies; I love caring for animals just as much as people in need. Sports, I swim and play volleyball, and love to cook food and spend time with my family, and furbabies.

What is your favorite beach?

My favorite beach would have to now be when we went/stayed at Jiquillo during Semana Santa. I have never seen such perfect barreling waves (as our little island never gets those), bright colorful seashells, clear brisk waters, and a sunset that I will never forget; being so warm as the waves roll all the way up to the rocks at sundown.

What is your favorite aspect of being a Lifeguard?

“Thank you Miss Lifeguard for saving my life!” There was a specific rescue I had, where a young boy came up to me a couple hours later after being so scared and thanked me for saving him. I’ve had this happen on numerous occasions but this specific rescue, I will NEVER forget.

How did you first get started with ISLA?

I had worked as a lifeguard for Amelia Island, City of Fernandina Beach Ocean Rescue. A fellow mentor, supervisor, guard, instructor and friend, Angela Ray, had told me about that there are opportunities to take our services even further, and I was all ears. The experience, the travel, and the mission was too intriguing not to be interested! She let me know when the application had opened for the 2014 Semana Santa trip; and I was actually in my Marine Biology lab, and I got right on the site, and applied!

What interests you most about ISLA?

It is so rewarding to be able to help people in a way that not many people have the ability to aide in. The mission. The mission to spread the education, word, and hearts from our lifeguards to theirs. The relationships that we built with the Nicaraguan lifeguards will never leave my heart. The ways we were able to help them with equipment, shows that we can make a difference throughout the world with drowning prevention.

What is it like lifeguarding during Semana Santa (Easter) in Nicaragua?

Lifeguarding during Semana Santa is indescribable! The people, the food, the sand, the waves, the activities, the Nica culture so much more; it’s nothing I’ve ever seen before. It was a thrill and rush to see those big waves compared to what we have here on the east coast of our small island.

What was your ISLA Experience like?

My ISLA trip experience was entirely eye opening. I had never been out of the country before, so I felt nervous and excited all at once. I was honored to be able to go to another country to aide in drowning prevention for such a huge holiday. I will always remember the amazing people and friendships I established.

What will your remember the most from your ISLA Experience?

Last year in Nicaragua, whew!..There are too many stories! I’d say my most memorable would be starting with our lake tour through Granada. I had never seen such unique ways of living on all the separate islands. The scenery, and wildlife was breathtaking. Then we got to jump in and splash around at the end of the tour. In the middle of the trip, during a day of guarding in Jiquillio, Lauren Badenhoop, Angela and myself saw an elder sea turtle. Lauren and I went out and swam with it! And to end, I had a shower of emotions come over me during our last breakfast with the Nicaraguan Red Cross lifeguards. We had so many laughs, hugs, said our goodbyes, took pictures, and presented them with our equipment and we even gave them some of our personal things to remember us. I made many friends over there and on the ISLA team that I will remember for a lifetime.

What will be the highlight of this year?

The highlight of this year, is going to be seeing everyone again. And body whompin some huge waves!

What was your 2nd ISLA Experience like?

Overall, I can’t wait to embark on more endeavors with International Surf Lifesaving Association in other countries.. This mission is growing year by year, and to reach out more internationally is the ultimate goal. I hope to see ISLA representatives on the East Coast here soon!

What was the most memorable about your 2nd ISLA Experience?

My most memorable experience of this year was the amount of preventives, assists, rescues and aides we were able to provide this year. This is what we are there to do and it is such a rewarding, fulfilling feeling to be able to help those in need. Not only the patrons of the beaches, but the local Red Cross Guardavidas y Soccoristas 🙂

What was the highlight of your 2nd trip?

My highlight experience this year would actually have to be, reconnecting with all of the friends I made in Nicaragua during my last trip. They are all so loving, welcoming and eager to learn. Seeing the improvement and focus from last year to this year with the Nicaraguan Red Cross guards was highly impressive. You can tell they worked hard with training throughout the year in preparation for another busy Semana Santa.

Can you share any stories with us about your 2015 Nicaraguan trip?

At the chapter/beach my group was stationed at Jiquilillo. 2 guards at tower 1, successfully resuscitated a man who had in took took much water after one too many drinks. Hearing this story and being so close to the action really shows what we are there to do. Without this mission, who knows how many more lives would have suffered and died.

How Will You Continue To Prevent Drowning And Create Awareness For The Global Drowning Epidemic (WHO Estimates 375,000+) After Your ISLA Trip?

Education is key in this subject. And consistent self education, and outreach. Daily there are people learning new ways to prevent drowning and it helps for us to all come together to put our brains and bodies to action.

What inspires you?

Making people happy, and doing what I can to help is what keep me going. That is my inspiration. I believe to always go with life and whatever experience comes along my path.

Describe Yourself in 3 words.

Responsible, Bubbly, and Ingenuitive.

What Would You Say to Someone Who is Considering Joining an ISLA Trip?

To anyone considering joining this mission; DO IT! Don’t waste a moment to pass up an amazing opportunity as such. I have learned more than I ever expected, made life long friends, and family. Here in the States, we have more opportunities for equipment, training, education, and outreach. We are all here on the world to help one another, and with these organizations we are showing that we can make this possible. I love being able to use my gift and skill of Ocean Rescue other places, especially those where it isn’t readily available.