William Koon: A Lifeguard’s Journey of Resilience and Impact in the Dominican Republic
In 2011, William Koon was studying abroad in Santiago, Dominican Republic, when Hurricane Irene struck the Caribbean. The storm left a trail of destruction, and local emergency services struggled to manage the aftermath. As a California State Parks lifeguard based in Huntington Beach, Koon’s expertise was in high demand. His professor’s husband reached out, asking if Koon could assist with flood rescues and recovery efforts.
Eager to help, William Koon quickly stepped into action. However, he soon realized that water safety protocols and resources in the Dominican Republic were far from what he had experienced in California. What started as an emergency response evolved into a lifelong mission to transform water safety in the region.
A Lifesaving Opportunity
After assisting with hurricane recovery efforts, William Koon was approached by the Dominican Civil Defense with an intriguing idea: could he train local lifeguards to enhance water safety? Recognizing the need for sustainable solutions, Koon reached out to fellow lifeguard Henry Reyes, who was volunteering with the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA). Reyes enthusiastically agreed to organize a team from California to conduct a training course.
Their collaboration marked the beginning of a transformative initiative.
Overcoming Challenges
While Reyes gathered a team of experienced lifeguards, including professionals from Huntington Beach and North Carolina, William Koon faced logistical hurdles in the Dominican Republic. Accommodations, transportation, and a suitable training venue had to be arranged, and a week before the training, all plans fell apart. With six volunteer instructors already en route, Koon embarked on a frantic search for alternatives.
During a late-night bus ride to Puerto Plata, Koon met Kelvin Duek, a local resident who provided a critical lead: the contact information for Gordon Gannon, a well-connected expat in Cabarete. Gannon, in turn, introduced Koon to Diego Girbaldi, the general manager of Viva Wyndham Tangerine. Girbaldi, a former lifeguard, generously offered the hotel’s beach and conference room for the training.
Through perseverance and community support, William Koon and his team salvaged the project, laying the foundation for what would become an enduring partnership.
The First ISLA Training Course in the Dominican Republic
With everything finally in place, the inaugural ISLA Basic Open Water Lifesaving Course took place in Cabarete. The training marked the beginning of a transformative initiative, providing participants with essential lifesaving skills tailored to the unique challenges of the Dominican coastline.
This first course was a collaborative success built on months of effort, countless obstacles, and valuable lessons. Koon attributes much of this achievement to the critical support from Gannon and Girbaldi, whose contributions were pivotal in making the training possible.
Building a Lifesaving Legacy
Since the first course, ISLA and William Koon have made significant strides in improving water safety in the Dominican Republic. The impact includes:
- Volunteers Deployed: 25
- Courses Offered: 3
- Individuals Trained: 120
- Certified Lifeguards: 64
- Lives Saved: 574 through rescues, preventative actions, and medical aid.
Each trip has further solidified the partnership between ISLA and local communities, empowering more lifeguards and improving water safety standards across the region.
Expanding the Vision
The Dominican Republic’s coastline presents unique challenges, from unpredictable currents to the growing demands of tourism. Through ISLA’s initiatives, William Koon continues to address these challenges by training lifeguards equipped to protect both locals and visitors.
For more on global water safety challenges, check out this article on lifeguard training standards.
Looking Ahead: The Fourth Mission
As ISLA prepares for its fourth trip to the Dominican Republic, the excitement is palpable. The team, led by individuals like William Koon, continues to exemplify the organization’s mission: advancing professional lifesaving development in areas of need around the globe.
This upcoming mission promises to build on the foundation laid in previous years, providing new opportunities for training and collaboration. With every course, ISLA brings the Dominican Republic closer to its goal of self-sufficiency in water safety.
Conclusion
William Koon’s journey from a California lifeguard to a key figure in lifesaving development in the Dominican Republic is a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of community. His story highlights the profound impact one individual can have when they step up to meet a challenge, inspiring others to do the same.
As ISLA’s efforts in the Dominican Republic continue, the legacy of that first course in Cabarete serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through dedication and teamwork. Stay tuned for updates on the fourth mission, as the ISLA team continues to make waves in lifesaving education worldwide.
-William Koon, ISLA Volunteer