ISLA Sends Volunteers to 2014 Chile Exchange

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Jan. 4, 2014 - PRLog -- ISLA is teaming up with Guardavidas SEAL and the Kracken Lifeguard School for the 2014 Chile Lifeguard Exchange.

ISLA is sending two volunteers to participate in the 2014 Chile Lifeguard Exchange. The goal of this project, taking place January 2-16, 2014, is to share lifeguard techniques and culture.  All parties involved strive to learn from people who are different from them, and enjoy the experience of sharing and learning together.

The Guardavidas SEAL, serving as ISLA’s exchange host, is a private rescue organization that covers several beaches in central Chile and offers the highest level of training through the University system in Santiago de Chile. ISLA is also joining forces with the Kracken Lifeguard School in Valparaiso to help coordinate the aquatic safety component of the Pucón Ironman. The Kraken Lifeguard School is a community outreach project that teaches underprivileged children how to swim in the ocean, and then assists them in passing the national lifeguard exam and finding jobs.

Kevin Craig from the California State Parks-San Diego District and Andrew Douglas who lifeguards for Ocean City, Maryland will serve as the ISLA volunteers for this project. They will have the chance to visit central Chile and live in the lifeguard house on the beach with the Chilean guards, then travel to the lakes region in Southern Chile to help coordinate and guard one of the biggest open water swimming events in the country, the Pucón Ironman.

Founded in 2008, ISLA exists to advance professional lifesaving development to areas in need around the globe. Comprised entirely of volunteers; the organization provides training, medical supplies, disaster relief, and emergency personnel to communities in need around the world.