The ISLA Experience: Lauren Badenhoop

Lauren Badenhoop, Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am someone who craves adventure and loves exploring new things. Traveling and experiencing different cultures around the world is something I find truly fulfilling. In the spring of 2013, I became a Nationally Certified EMT, and now I’m working towards my Associate of Arts degree before majoring in Advertising Management with a minor in Graphic Design.

Tell us about some of your goals.

In the short term, I am focused on getting more involved in drowning prevention, training hard for lifeguard competitions, and obtaining my AA degree within the next two years. Long-term, my goal is to earn my Advertising Management degree, land a job that allows me to travel the world, experience more cultures, and, of course, stay happy and healthy.

Hobbies?

I enjoy long walks on the beach, training for lifeguard competitions, swimming, surfing, hiking, painting, taking pictures, watching sunsets, and lounging in a hammock.

My Favs:

Music: Indie Rock. Surfer Blood, Alt-J, and The Kooks are my top three.
Color: The color of the sky just before the sun sets.
TV: Although I’m not much of an ESPN fan, I love watching the Nutrigrain Ironman races.
Food: Pizza, tacos, chips and salsa, and steak. I once almost devoured a whole pizza after returning from Nicaragua
Quotes: “I want to travel across the world and breathe the air of new places.” – “I must be a mermaid. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living.”
Beach: Popoyo Beach in Nicaragua, which felt like paradise and where I could easily imagine living forever.

Lauren Badenhoop, What inspires you?

Smiles, laughter, raised eyebrows, and thought-provoking questions inspire me. I’m constantly motivated to travel, learn, and educate others in the process

Where have you worked as a lifeguard?

I’ve had the privilege of lifeguarding in Jiquilillo, Nicaragua, and Jacksonville Beach, FL. Recently, I returned from Nicaragua, where I worked with ISLA and Lifeguards Without Borders. We traveled to a small beach near Leon, where we worked with local lifeguards to improve their lifesaving skills.

What was your experience like in Nicaragua?

Each morning, our team trained with the local lifeguards for an hour, showing them new stretches and workouts to get comfortable with the waves. Then, we split into pairs to work alongside the Cruz Roja Nicaragüense, guarding the beach from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We taught them new rescue techniques like body surfing, dolphin diving, and using their new Storm Whistles. Hearing their stories of rescues and past Semana Santa celebrations was humbling.

It was such a rewarding experience to donate lifesaving equipment and see the huge smiles on their faces. It truly opened my eyes to the challenges lifeguards face in other parts of the world. I couldn’t have asked for better companions on this life-changing journey.

It was such a great experience and really opened my eyes to what is going on in other parts of the world. They were so appreciative when we donated our equipment. I think we all “got something in our eye” after seeing the huge smiles on their faces. I couldn’t have asked for better people to spend such a life changing moment with. Our group was full of funny, smart, and caring people that I know will be life long friends. I can’t thank ISLA and LWB enough for the experience, it has truly changed me.

What does Lauren Badenhoop love most about volunteering for ISLA?

The moment we handed the Cruz Roja Nicaragüense their new rescue equipment was unforgettable. Volunteering with ISLA has been a transformative experience—seeing the culture, meeting incredible people, and working with lifeguards who will always be “mi familia” was a highlight of my life.

I Started Lifeguarding…

In the winter of 2012, I joined the American Red Cross Volunteer Lifesaving Corps, driven by my deep respect for the ocean. After completing a rigorous 12-week training course, I became one of 22 successful candidates from a class of 76. I later joined Jax Beach Ocean Rescue and have been working with both organizations ever since.

Lauren Badenhoop, why are you a lifeguard? I am a lifeguard because…

I am passionate about keeping beachgoers safe and educated. Lifeguarding has allowed me to make the ocean my gym, while also being part of a great community. I genuinely love waking up every day to do a job that’s both challenging and rewarding.

I I heard about ISLA…

I first learned about ISLA through Lifeguards Without Borders, who posted about the Nicaragua and Dominican Republic projects. I checked out ISLA’s website and was immediately hooked. Like LWB, ISLA’s mission to provide drowning prevention education globally resonated with me. Their unique approach to training lifeguards around the world truly makes a difference

Outside of volunteering for ISLA…

I compete in lifeguard competitions at local, regional, and national levels with the Jax Beach Competition Team. I also partner with Lifeguards Without Borders to promote drowning prevention awareness. Additionally, I volunteer with the ARCVLSC every Sunday and holiday.

Lauren Badenhoop, What is your favorite piece of rescue equipment?

The paddleboard is my favorite rescue tool. I’ve used it for multiple rescues and it’s also my favorite event in competitions. My teammate, Eva, and I are ranked 5th in the nation for board rescue!

I will continue to prevent drowning by…

I will continue to work with organizations like ISLA and LWB, reading and sharing articles on drowning prevention, and traveling to educate others. I hope that, one day, learning to swim will be considered as essential as learning to walk or talk.

Describe Lauren Badenhoop in 3 words.

Adventurous, happy, mermaid.