OPERATION COSTA RICA:
JETIS BEACH, KEBUMEN
Since 2016, ISLA has partnered with Indonesia’s Balawista lifeguards to enhance ocean safety by providing training and rescue equipment.
The initial operation in Pangandaran, Java, brought 12 international volunteers to lead a 30-hour open water course for over 60 local lifeguards and water tourism professionals. ISLA returned in 2017 to offer further training and equipment, while our third operation saw international lifeguards joining Balawista teams during the busy New Year holiday, a critical time for beach safety.
By 2019, ISLA had conducted four successful operations in Indonesia, focusing on advanced training and strengthening local safety efforts. Our commitment continues in 2025, with a new lifeguard training academy planned for Jetis Beach near Kebumen. Through these ongoing efforts, ISLA is dedicated to empowering Balawista lifeguards to serve their coastal communities with greater skill and confidence.
Stories from the frontlines
Operation Costa Rica
October 27 - November 3, 2025
Planning
Location
Jetis Beach, Indonesia
Information
Application Window: Early August 2025
Applications Due: Late August 2025
Volunteers Announced: Late August2025
Operation Leader: MSO Jonathan Robinson
ISLA Gnar-Factor 3.5
Max Number of Volunteers: 10
Cost: $750 USD
Get ready to take your skills to one of the oldest and most vibrant civilizations on Earth: INDIA!
Discover the magic of India – a vast and diverse country with a rich history dating back 5 millennia, and over 1 billion people calling it home. But unfortunately, with its incredible coastline and seaside festivities, India has also seen a growing epidemic of drownings.
ISLA’s collaborations with Kalinga Surf Life Saving Society (KSLSS) have already brought transformative benefits to the water safety landscape in India. Our previous operations, including the 2018 and 2023 training academies, demonstrated ISLA’s unmatched dedication to improving water safety, professionalism, and lifeguard capabilities. For Mahodadhi Divas 2024, KSLSS aims to deepen this partnership by requesting ISLA’s participation with an expanded team of lifeguards, trainers, and experts. This event will bring together around 300 participants, including lifeguards and officials from various parts of India. ISLA’s involvement is essential for training and supervising such a large and diverse group, ensuring that the 3-day ocean event runs smoothly and maintains its high standards of professionalism.
Mahodadhi Divas is more than a celebration—it showcases the strong foundation KSLSS has built in the lifeguarding community. ISLA will lead advanced workshops to enhance lifeguard skills, share insights on global surf lifesaving trends during panel discussions, and collaborate with local lifeguards and firefighters to strengthen Puri’s coastal safety. The event will conclude with a gala dinner on December 12th, celebrating our collective achievements.
But it’s not just about lifeguarding – after the Mahodadhi Divas Festival, our team will have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the region with our new friends and volunteers from around the globe. This is an incredible opportunity to visit a new place, meet amazing people, and share your lifesaving skills to help protect lives.
Join ISLA in India and be a part of something special – where adventure, culture, and lifesaving come together in a truly unique experience. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to make a difference and create unforgettable memories!
Important Dates & Itinerary
Operation Donation Amount
$750 USD
Included in the Operation Donation
- Lodging for the duration of the operation
- Lunch during ISLA Training Course (3 days)
- In-country ground transportation, ( round trip from Jetis beach & van rental for tour)
- 1 Year ISLA Membership
- Full ISLA uniform
- Equipment donations to Kebumen Balawista Lifeguards
NOT Included in the Operation Donation
- Airfare to Yogyakarta, Indonesia (cost varies; $800-$1,300 from Los Angeles)
- Indonesia entrance fee (Free & also varies by country)
- International Travelers Insurance for the duration of the operation (Mandatory)
Each volunteer will be responsible for their own airfare to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Java, Indonesia. Round trip airfare from Los Angeles, CA (LAX) is approximately . $800-1,300. The donation will cover housing, some food, ground transport, uniform, and equipment donations for the operation. International Travelers Insurance for the duration of the operation is not covered, and must be purchased.
Language Requirement
*There is no language requirement for this project, although lifeguards who are bilingual in Indonesian and have training experience will be given priority in the application process.
What else is included?
Transportation: we work with our hosts, close relationships and sponsors, etc. to get this covered. Usually for the entire trip from airport to airport
Food: We work with our host, sponsorship, and friends to cover food during the work portions of ths trip. usually about half of the meals are covered for the whole trip
Housing: We work with sponsord, our hosts, etc. to get this sponsored during the work portions of the trip.
Experience: ISLA trips are generally cheaper than typical Travel, and allow you to make lifeling friends while making a difference. you ALSO gain professional knowledge of others while sharing your own skills.