International Surf Lifesaving Association

Four Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguard Instructors Peter Eich, Scott Hunthausen, Olin Patterson, and Henry Reyes started ISLA in 2008. The four friends wanted something to bond their friendships for life and to continue their for passion lifeguarding. The idea started as a realization when Scott returned home from a study abroad semester in Nicaragua where he experienced the drowning of his host family’s son, and witnessed the alarming drowning rates in the country during the 4-day Semana Santa holiday (Easter).

To date ISLA has:

• Operations in 9 countries
• Over 50 volunteers from over 14 lifeguard agencies in the U.S.
• Conducted 10 lifeguard Training courses
• Certified over 100 lifeguards
• Performed 208 Rescues; 1,442 Preventive Actions; and 180 Medical aids
• Donated over $12,000 of rescue equipment
• Awarded over $1,200 in Jr. Guard scholarships