Nicaragua has been chosen as the 2009 ISLA target country for a variety of reasons. In fact, Nicaragua, its people, and the experiences interacting with them are what sparked the desire in four Californians to create the International Surf Lifesaving Association.

While living and working in the country during the 2007-2008 year, ISLA director Scott Hunthausen witnessed the contrasting beauty and overwhelming friendliness of the people with drastic shortcomings in social services such as access to trained Lifesaving Professionals.

During Easter Week or “Semana Santa” as it is referred to in Spanish, between 40 and100 people die each year. The reality is simple. Thousands upon thousands of Nicaraguans flock to the beaches where they encounter big surf, strong currents, and no lifeguards. The government simply does not have the resources to sustain an adequate lifeguard program. Our priority for 2009 is to end these unnecessary drowning and instill a lasting program to perpetuate Nicaraguan lifesaving when we are Gone.