Operation Ecuador 2026 Recap
The Overview
Operation Ecuador 2026 was a grand challenge. A team of 9 ISLA volunteers set out to train 125 cadets at a Basic Open Water Lifeguard Academy during a time of significant turmoil, with Ecuador seeing rising levels of violence as well as an increase in tourism, putting ISLA into truly gnarly territory. Despite this, the ISLA team rose to the challenge, with standout performances from Ava Bailey Blakespear, Joe Nance, and Daniella Spina to name a few, and succeeded in professionally and effectively certifying 109 lifeguards and 16 beach safeguards, kickstarting a new chapter of water safety in South America.
The Background
The groundwork of the operation started with stakeholders throughout the country recognizing a need to evolve lifeguard services due to gaining popularity and development along the coastline provinces of Santa Elena, causing an increase in beach visitation and tourism. They also saw that ISLA had been there 15 years prior, and that we have only gotten better at training since then. Three major stakeholders came together in order to make the op happen: the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism, Coastman Ecuador, and Blue Flag – all collaborating on a vision to improve lifeguard services.
The Operation
With so much time having elapsed, it was clear that a new generation of lifeguards needed to be trained. With such a large group of lifeguards, division of labor and span of control were the biggest challenges. Luckily the Ecuadorian lifeguards picked up squad work and naturally had a militaristic nature to their work ethic and professionalism. Not only were they conformable to the ISLA mission, but they had very strong water competency, as many of the participants were veteran lifeguards and advanced surfers. This then attributed to the high success rate of lifeguard certifications at the end of the training.
The Ecuadorian Lifeguard Culture
The camaraderie among the participants was strong and their pride representing their local beaches was shown with their cadence chants known as “gritos.” This was a highlight, as you were drawn into the middle of their team huddle and felt the energy of their pride and ownership as lifeguards. The words in the chants represented their real life perspective as soldiers on the beach – “We are war lifeguards, ready and prepared, sea, sky, and land, battle-hardened, pursued, a thousand times dead but never wounded.” For the ISLA volunteers this was the most culturally rich experience: as they absorbed Ecuador’s lifeguard culture, lifeguarding for them took on a new meaning.
The Ceremonies
The training itself was one element of the operation, however the inaugural and closing ceremony brought together the community, stakeholders, and lifeguards to openly speak about beach safety and the need to evolve. It was here where we were able to really soak in the impact of the work we did, particularly in the high standard of beach accreditation through Blue Flag that was obtained and the sense of pride in accomplishment that the lifeguards carried with them. My objectives as Operation Commander were simple: have an effective operation at the academy, and instill a sense of urgency through proactiveness, professionalism, and prevention. We resoundingly accomplished these, and everybody was looking good!
The Conclusion
As ISLA volunteers we worked hard and played hard. The culmination of the operation was not only in the work we did, but in the fun we had. Our tour excursions at the end of the trip included snorkeling in a marine preserve, para-gliding along the coastline, and a beach celebration with the Montañita lifeguards that included a nocturnal swim. Every operation has its highlights, challenges, and grit. The true gratification lies in looking back on the experience and the humility gained.
Nick Schriver – Operation Ecuador Commander
