ISLA | Project Greece | 2016

My name is Rob Marienthal and I am a seasonal ocean lifeguard for the City of Newport Beach, CA and a member of the International Surf Lifesaving Association. I was recently selected to aid in a rescue mission led by ISLA to the island of Lesvos where the largest lifesaving crisis in the world is ongoing.

For many months, the coast of Lesvos in Greece, has been the epicenter of thousands of Syrian Refugees seeking safety and shelter. Unfortunately for a countless number, the trip across the sea has ended in untold drownings and deaths. In recent months, our dear friends of Lifeguard Hellas have facilitated setting up aid stations along the coast to provide first responder medical and rescue assistance for the Syrian Refugees arriving by vessel. From there, Syrian refugees are given warm clothing, food, safety from the treacherous course they have taken… and most importantly, hope and dignity.

Lifeguard Hellas (Greek Lifeguards) has been receiving support from volunteers all over the globe including ISLA lifeguards. This trip is designated to provide additional support for the end of January as they work to ensure beaches are staffed as consistently as possible. We will also be providing the necessary equipment to allow the Greek lifeguards to move first responders into the water with the aid of paddle boards, swim fins and lifeguard buoys. Additional support trips from ISLA and our partner organization Lifeguards Without Borders will be attempted in the near future, as there is currently no end in sight of when this crisis will cease.

A team of 6 volunteer lifeguards including myself will be arriving in Lesvos on January 20th and will be spending 8 days working with other lifeguard agencies on scene.
 
My flight to Greece has been handled, thanks to my family, so any donation will assist with the ISLA fees, equipment, and travel expenses necessary for the trip. If goal is reached, any additional donation will go toward the purchase of emergency supplies for refugees and rescue/medical equipment needed by relief efforts in Lesvos.

It is important to remember that all of these drownings are very easily preventable. The conditions in Lesvos are comparable to the conditions in Southern California during this time of year minus any substantial surf.
Politics aside, this is a major humanitarian crisis that is not getting the attention it deserves. I hope to represent all of my fellow lifeguards and Americans on this journey and send a strong message to those who oppose it.

http://www.islasurf.org/aid-syrian-refugees/

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-greece-idUSKCN0RN12K20150923


Blessings,

Rob Marienthal