Lifeguards Travel to Nicaragua to Minimize Drowning

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 25, 2013 - Founded in 2008, ISLA’s mission is to prevent drowning worldwide by building a culture of water safety. Comprised entirely of volunteers; the organization provides training, medical supplies, disaster relief, and emergency personnel to communities in need around the world.

As part of an initiative to minimize deaths and injuries caused by drowning, ISLA will teach lifesaving techniques, provide lifesaving equipment, and patrol the beaches alongside the Nicaraguan Red Cross/Red Crescent.

The Easter season, known as Semana Santa, is one of the most dangerous times of the year. In Nicaragua, Semana Santa is a time to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. But for many, it is not only a religious celebration, but also a time to enjoy the summer vacation. As part of a Semana Santa tradition, thousands of people travel to the beach to enjoy vacation.

“In the past, drowning rates spike during the Semana Santa holiday season. The beach attendance more than triples, early season south swells start to make it through to the beach breaks where most people swim, and the Nicaraguan Red Cross/Red Crescent volunteer lifeguards do their best to keep he beaches safe,” said ISLA’s International Relations Manager, Will Koon. “To alleviate the strenuous demands on the Nicaraguan Red Cross/Red Crescent, our team of volunteer lifeguards will collaborate to support the aquatic safety efforts and to reduce the costly and emotional burden of global drowning.”

Future projects for ISLA in the Nicaragua are continuous efforts to reduce the drowning rates. To learn more about ISLA, please visit the website at http://www.islasurf.org or visit our Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ISLAsurf.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/12077902/1