Operation Nicaragua 2023 Recap
Do you have what it takes to be an international lifeguard? ISLA (International Surf Lifesaving Association) has been making waves in Nicaragua since 2009 by deploying teams of international lifeguards to guard some of the deadliest beaches in the world. And now, they need your help to continue saving lives!
ISLA’s operations in Nicaragua are divided into three phases, and the results have been nothing short of miraculous. In 2012, they conducted a 3-day Basic Open Water Lifeguard Academy for a diverse group of Nicaraguan cadets, including civil service members, Red Cross lifeguards, and members from non-governmental agencies. And in 2019, a group of Nicaraguan Red Cross lifeguards completed an ISLA Academy in Costa Rica, and brought their skills back to their communities, resulting in a significant decrease in drownings.
But the work is far from over! This year, ISLA began its third phase of development in Nicaragua, deploying a team of international lifeguard instructors from Argentina, Canada, and the USA to conduct a 2-day Lifeguard Instructor Academy. This was no easy task, as ISLA designed the course from the ground up to prepare the instructor cadets for their practical exam – conducting a 3-day Basic Open Water Lifeguard Academy.
The seven Nicaraguan instructor cadets had their work cut out for them, but with ISLA’s help, they were able to overcome their challenges and get ready for the practical exam. After the Instructor Academy, the ISLA and Red Cross instructors took a much-needed day to rest and prepare, reviewing protocols and techniques poolside and enjoying some group bodysurfing sessions in the warm Nicaraguan waters of Playa Pochomil.
The Basic Open Water Lifeguard Academy brought together 20 of the best Nicaraguan Red Cross lifeguards from various coastal chapters across the country, along with three lifeguards from Nica Heartbeat. The training days were long and challenging, with moderate 3-5ft surf, high humidity, and 90-degree heat. But with plenty of food and water on hand, everyone pushed through and all 23 cadets passed the academy to obtain their ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard Certification
And that’s not all – the seven Nicaraguan instructors also passed their practical exam and were awarded their ISLA Basic Lifeguard Instructor Certification. ISLA additionally donated rescue buoys, fins, and training equipment to the Nicaraguan Red Cross, so that their newly certified instructors can continue to recreate their own lifeguard training academy across the country.
If you want to be part of this incredible effort to save lives, consider volunteering with ISLA for future operations in Nicaragua and beyond. Together, we can make a real difference in the world.
– ISLA President Henry Reyes
