ess through the amazing support from Gordon Gannon at Gran Cabana Cabarete, Laurel Eastman Kite School in Cabarete, Diego Geribaldi and Viva Wyndham Tangerine in Cabarete, Lee Alter and the International Law Enforcement Association in Cabarete, the La Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association, the Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Association (HSBLA), and the Quiksilver Foundation.
Read about how it all started for ISLA in the DR!
Previous ISLA Projects in the DR
Spring 2014 | Water Safety Training and Lifeguarding in Cabarete
Spring 2013 | Junior Guard Camp and Lifeguarding in Cabarete
Fall 2012 | Third-Stage Initiative
Basic Open Water Trainings in Cabarete, Puerto Plata and Bayahibe, La Romana
For the Third State of the Three-Stage Initiative, ISLA conducted two Basic Open Water Lifeguard Training Courses. Thirty-six participants received the ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard Certificate. The next step is to establish permanent lifeguard agencies from the certified lifeguards and to add lifeguard coverage to beaches without rescue personnel.
Spring 2012 | Second-Stage Initiative
Easter (Semana Santa) Workshops and Volunteer Lifeguarding in Cabarete, Puerto Plata
As part of the Second Stage of the Three Stage Initiative, ISLA returned to the DR during Semana Santa, Easter. Semana Santa is one of the most dangerous seasons of the year, as it is known for the party scene with crowds upwards of 10,000. To help patrol the beaches, ISLA lifeguards worked alongside participants of the Fall 2011 training. And to continue the development of the DR lifeguards, ISLA reviewed training in beach and rapid water aquatic rescue, First Aid, and CPR.
Fall 2011 | First-Stage Initiative
Basic Open Water Training in Cabarete, Puerto Plata
ISLA Certification Becomes Required Lifeguard Certification In Dominican Republic
DR 2011 Project Report (English/Español) | DR 2011 Press Release
ISLA Lifeguards Featured in The Dominican Republic Press | ISLA Lifeguards Featured in El Caribe
Photo Album from the Training
The Fall 2011 trip marked ISLA’s first time in the DR. As part of the First-Stage of the Three-Stage Initiative, ISLA conducted a three day Basic Open Water Lifeguard Course for Rescue Personnel in the town of Cabarete. The trainings were offered to help reduce the high drowning rates and to help prevent drownings.
ISLA DR Project Coordinator
For information or questions regarding ISLA projects in the DR, please send a message to the Project Coordinator, William Koon: William.Koon@islasurf.org