ISLA exists to advance professional lifesaving development in areas of need around the globe.
Out of a deep passion for open water and a strong desire to prevent drownings, ISLA aids people in championing the aquatic safety situation in their own coastal communities.
We do this through lifeguard training programs, lifeguard exchanges, equipment donations, purchasing connections, and utilizing the latest technology to sustain a global network of lifeguards that share information, techniques, stories, and culture. Our wish is to see friends and partners around the globe have the necessary tools to keep their water safe.
ISLA is a social justice-driven organization that is young, innovative, and not afraid to do things for the first time.
We are ultimately guided by the infamous mantra: “Safety third, winning and looking good are number one and two!” We adventure the globe with purpose, seeking to share life and help protect it.
The global drowning epidemic compels us to take action as we pioneer new ways to think about drowning in the developing world and effective solutions that will save thousands of lives.
ISLA uses both ground-breaking technology and tried and true techniques; we follow in the tradition of those before us without fear to push it to a whole new level, constantly seeking to improve ourselves and the work we do. We welcome challenges and strive to leave a positive impact wherever we go.
Our team lives on the edge, is ready for any adventure, and is prepared for any situation.
We live simply and we work hard, but that doesn’t stop us from watching the sun rise twice without sleeping, exploring new lands, surfing down volcanos, zip lining across the jungle, climbing into ancient caves, and trying the local brews with our new friends, all the while contributing to drowning prevention.
ISLA’s Beginnings
In 2008, four Huntington Beach Jr. Lifeguard Instructors; Peter Eich, Scott Hunthausen, Olin Patterson, and Henry Reyes wanted to create a movement that would bond their friendships for life and encompass their for passion ocean safety. That year, Scott had returned home from a study abroad semester in Nicaragua where he witnessed the alarming drowning rates (+70 people in just 4 days on a 120 mile stretch of coast) during the Semana Santa holiday (Easter)… Thus began ISLA.
Our volunteer base started with seven Junior Lifeguard Instructors from Huntington Beach, CA (The 4 Co-founders plus: Matt Henry, Rory Kelly, & David Wagner). Little did we know the vast amount of people from other lifeguarding agencies had the same idea…. so they joined us! ISLA has since grown into a dynamic team of lifeguards, doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, & military personnel from various agencies throughout the globe!
The ISLA Innovation
"When we first started ISLA we focused on securing sponsors & grants, and we we were good at it! But, If we want to grow from 1-2 projects per year, and respond to all the global requests for aid… we’re going have to raise the funds ourselves! "
– Henry Reyes, ISLA President
ISLA Hall of Fame
"We only look so tall because we’re standing on the backs of giants!" ISLA would not be the organization it is today without the dedication from these individuals:
Peter Eich Raquel Lizarraga Matthew Henry Scott Hunthausen Rory Kelly William Koon Mike Hudson
Lifeguard Supervisors
Bébhinn Crowley
Rank: LG-3 Watch Commander
Bébhinn Crowley has been a part of ISLA since 2015. She’s taken part in 5 ISLA trips around the globe. Bébhinn has also worked as a lifeguard in Ireland for 4 seasons, and is a competitive lifesaver with Cork surf lifesaving where she have competed nationally and internationally. She’s currently in her final year in studying to be a general nurse in Ireland.
Vasili Pleqi
Rank: LG-3 Watch Commander
Vasili has been a lifeguard for the City of Jacksonville Beach 7 years and working part time as an Emergency Department Technician at UF Health for over two years now. Currently majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience at University of North Florida with plans of attending medical school. His passion for the water and medicine has allowed him to join ISLA on many humanitarian projects around the world.
Nick Schriver
Rank: LG-3 Watch Commander
Nick has been lifeguarding for over 21 years. He’s a swimmer by trade working for the East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department/Lifeguard Service as an Aquatic Supervisor. Nick also spent a year studying aboard in Santiago, Chile and has traveled to Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico several times. Being half Peruvian, he has a passion and love for Latin America.
- BA in Humanities and Fine Arts (Spanish) and a minor in International Business.
- Aquatic Supervisor & Fire Lieutenant (Part-time) .
Mark Scully
Rank: LG-3 Watch Commander
Mark has been a professional Ocean Lifeguard for 39 years working in Australia, United Kingdom, Japan. He was a former member of the Australian Surf Race Team, and a competitive swimming champion. Scully studied at the University of Hawaii where he received a full 4-year scholarship to, train and compete at, USA Nationals & NCAA’s Championships. Mark started with ISLA in 2017 and has been deployed to various countries including: Thailand, China, Mexico, India, Costa Rica, & USA.
Marine Safety Officers
Alannah Crowley
Rank: FO-1 Project Coordinator / Instructor 2
Alannah has been a lifeguard on Irish beaches for the past 4 years, and is an enthusiastic surf lifesaver with Cork Surf Lifesaving Club, having competed at home and internationally. When she’s not at the beach or traveling, Alannah is studying to be a primary school teacher with a combined degree in psychology.
Alannah was first drawn to working with ISLA as it merges her passion for both teaching and traveling. Alannah has been on several projects spanning across 4 continents.
Lorah Kassai
Rank: FO-1 Project Coordinator / Instructor 2
Lorah Kassai has over 10 years of water and technical rescue experience. As the daughter of two fire fighter/paramedics she had the honor of growing up in the life saving community and has been trained in ocean, swift water, high ropes, confined space, cave, and wilderness rescue. Originally from Texas, she currently lives in Colorado and works with the homeless community in Denver. Lorah’s ultimate goal is to take over her mother’s lifesaving agency, S.T.O.R.M Rescue, which teaches technical rescue courses and provides emergency personnel during disasters and for various events. She is ISLA’s Swift Water Rescue specialist and has worked on projects in 5 countries and counting.
- BS in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and minor in Sociology from The University of Texas at San Antonio
Michael Lopez
Rank: AO-1 IT Administrator
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- BS in Computer Science Management from Cal Poly Pomona
- Created the ISLA Global drowning Tracker
Flavia McBride
Rank: FO-2 Lieutenant / Instructor 2
Flavia has been involved with lifeguarding since she was nine years old as a Junior Lifeguard, Cadet, and then a professional Ocean Lifeguard in Newport Beach, California. She loves competition and after trying out passed a rigorous 9-week academy to achieve her goal of becoming a professional lifeguard. She has worked in operations and risen through the ranks to become a leader within the Junior Lifeguard Program, which has 1400 participants ages 9-16. She is passionate about the ocean, medicine, traveling, learning, leadership, and helping others. Flavia received a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2013 and plans to attend Medical School, where she will continue to help others in need. Flavia started going on international lifeguarding trips in 2010 and has led volunteers all over the world as an ISLA Marine Safety Officer.
Guillermo Navarro
Rank: AO-1 Public Information Officer
Guillermo is a highly experienced lifeguard who has worked in various roles within the East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department Lifeguard Services for over a decade. Guillermo held the ISLA rank of Squad Leader before he was promoted to the ISLA Administrative team, where he now works as our Public Information Officer. He has shared his expertise and passion for water safety in countries such as Turkey, China, India, and Albania. His skills in emergency response, incident management, and leadership make him a valuable asset in any situation.
- BS in History from San Jose State University
- Certifications: EMT, LG Instructor, LGI-Trainer, EMR-Instructor, CPR/AED/First-Aid Instructor, USLA Southeast Region Officer Academy graduate, and K-38 Operator
Thomas Renner
Rank: FO-2 Lieutenant / Instructor 2
Tom Renner serves as Project Coordinator for ISLA. As a lifeguard for the City of Laguna Beach’s Department of Marine Safety, he has moved up the ranks to Ocean Lifeguard III and runs the city’s Junior Lifeguard Program. Tom received a Bachelors Degree in Public Health with a minor in Psychology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. While others in his classes would study the prevalence of obesity and smoking, Tom would focus his studies on drowning. Tom has participated in ISLA humanitarian missions in Mexico, Chile, Greece, and Indonesia. He now attends California State University San Marcos where he is working towards his Pre-Health Professions Certificate to one day attend medical school.
Jonathan Robinson
Rank: FO-3 Captain / Instructor 2
Jonathan served as a marine safety lifeguard for the City of Laguna Beach for 7 years. He holds an EMT license, BS in Biology, and Master of Public Health. He runs a consulting business for implementing new technology for emergency services and disaster risk reduction. As an ISLA volunteer, Jonathan has partnered with projects in Nicaragua, Turkey, Thailand, India, China, Ghana and others. He has taught medical and rescue skills on 5 continents. He strives to combat the global health disparity of drowning by furthering field-training and integrating emergency medical response.
- MPH emphasis in Global Health Leadership from University of Southern California
- BS Biology, Minor in Chemistry, Pre-medical Emphasis from Vanguard University
- Certifications: EMT, Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, AHA BLS/CPR Instructor, and NAUI Master Diver
David Wagner IV
Rank: FO-2 Lieutenant / Instructor 2
Wag’s is a 18 year veteran lifeguard with the City of Huntington Beach Fire Department in California, USA. Dave is an JG Instructor Supervisor and oversees the city’s “A” Division (14-17 age group) which consists of 5 ocean lifeguard instructors and over 200 students. During the winter months he works as a stunt double for “Larry the Cable Guy”, and On his days off he can be seen at 7-Eleven enjoying a double-super-duper Big Gulp of Pepsi.
- Ocean Lifeguard / JG Instructor Supervisor
- The film “The Lifeguard”(1976) was based on the true story of Dave Wagner.
Warrant Officers
Daren Jenner
Rank: WO-3 Thailand Section Chief
Daren is a Bodysurfer and lifeguard living in South East Asia. He’s a former Firefighter/Paramedic/Ski Patroller from the USA. Daren organized/hosted ISLA’s Project in Thailand, and is now representing our operations in Thailand as a Warrant Marine Safety Officer.
ISLA’s Board of Directors
Henry Reyes
Rank: AO-4 Founder & President
Henry Reyes is a Co-founder of the organization and is currently a Harbor Patrol Officer for the Santa Monica Police Dept. Henry started guarding at intercity pools at 15 years of age before becoming an Ocean Lifeguard with the City of Huntington Beach in 2000. With over 21 years of experience and a thirst for adventure, “Don Pico” has been leading teams of ISLA volunteers all over the globe.
- BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship from CSUF. AA in Aeronautics, Anthropology, Economics, & Philosophy
- Harbor Patrol Officer
Julie Sanchez
Rank: AO-2 Marketing Director
As the Marketing Director of ISLA, Julie has been with ISLA from day one. She holds a B.A. in Marketing Management from California State Polytechnic Univ., Pomona, and has 10+ years experience in the advertising industry. She is currently working at a top U.S Hispanic advertising agency, managing top Brands in development and execution of award-winning national marketing campaigns. Julie has seen ISLA grow from a small non-profit, to an international organization with partners and supporters worldwide. She has traveled with ISLA to several international trips as a volunteer and also serves as a translator for teams in Latin America. Her passions outside of helping others include soccer, sun and any kind of outdoor adventures with family and friends.
Dr. Justin Sempsrott
Rank: AO-2 Medical Director
Justin Sempsrott is a graduate of the University of South Florida College of Medicine and did his residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Nevada, School of Medicine. In 2006, he founded Lifeguards Without Borders and serves as their Executive Director. Dr. Sempsrott is also the Medical Director For Starfish Aquatics Institute and Brunswick County EMS in North Carolina and an Emergency Medicine and EMS Physician in coastal NC. He speaks around the globe on the topic of drowning. He has been an ocean lifeguard in Jacksonville Beach, FL since 1996.