Day 2 - The Lay of the Land - Lesvos, Greece

Anais and I forced our way out of our warm cocoon into the bitter cold this morning. Imagining an experience of a refugee's morning crossing the sea brought a chill to my spine. Our first stop - the hope center.

Cookie had a morning fire going, and greeted us with hugs and a smile. My eyes scanned the surroundings for Lifeguard Hellas. Cookie looked at her phone and received a message that a boat had arrived safely, and the guards were helping them unload. She gave me directions to the beach, and with a nod we took off.

As we pulled down the long dirt road, we passed our first big group of Syrian refugees as we arrived at the lifeguard camp. It was clear by their faces that a wave of relief washed over the group. As we observed the group, my eyes began observing the piles of lifejackets, broken boats, and other rubbish on the beach. We walked through the wind towards the tent, and my eyes immediately found Mania - the head of the guard unit that I have been in contact with over the past couple of months.

Mania recognized me immediately, and we shared hugs and smiles. She did not hesitate to begin her story of the island and the current situation. Apparently, her husband and her had been planning on staying a week; after realizing a week was only enough time to understand the situation, a week turned into a month. As people from her home continue to support them, they have decided to stay through the summer! They play an important role on the safety of the arriving refugees.


Mania, barely able to move her hands from the cold, huddled around a gas heater in her moist wetsuit and explained that the only real "lifeguard" groups on island is: Lifeguard Hellas (Greek) and Pro Activa (Spain). There are many rescue units with boats: Green Peace, Sea-Watch International, etc. that do not have "rescue swimmers." Therefore, swimmers are a rare population on the island and a necessary one.

An island map has been made of the "boat landing zones" with code names for certain locations, i.e. two hotels, that help lifeguards/search-parties locate incoming refugees. It basically consists of the northern shore of Lesvos (~25 km).  On the eastern and western end of the shore there are lighthouses. These are the rockiest and most dangerous locations for incoming boats. They are connected by a rocky, 4x4 dirt road or an icy, high mountain road. Lifeguard Hellas is on the Western end, and a group called "Lighthouse" is on the Eastern end. In the middle, Skala, (which is the busiest since it is sandy beach) is primarily received by Pro Activa.

On the eastern end, team "Lighthouse," has high-tech thermal scanning going throughout the night. Their main job is to funnel any ships coming their way towards Skala, as landing on this point can result in serious problems. There is only a bumpy dirt road (4x4 have been damaged already) that can only be accessed by a serious vehicle, and is inaccessible during storms - causing refugees to walk over an hour to the nearest road. Hypothermia is obviously a real threat here, and has taken lives already on the island.

We visited Skala today to connect with different organizations and to feel where we will be able to serve the most. First we drove towards a beach and were intercepted by a volunteer. He asked us to roll down our window, and with a glaze over our eyes explained that they had just found another dead body. He asked us to turn around and directed us to the Skala marina.



Skala is a totally different scene than Molyvos (Team Hellas/Hope Center). There are many professional teams patrolling the streets and ocean in full gear, i.e. drysuits, helmets, medical equipment, 4x4 company vehicles, etc. There are also many camps set up to receive the refugees, dry them, change their clothes, and feed them. A lot of people are buzzing around, causing the roads and paths to be a large muddy mess.

By chance, Anais and I stumbled into "Lighthouse camp" and met with their manager, Jade. She showed us the lay of the land and the process of warming up the refugees - specifically through fire barrels and heated, gas-powered tents. Her eyes lit up when she found out I was a solo lifeguard, as it seems we are a hot commodity. The organization Lighthouse is trying to put together a funds to hire full time lifeguards/wilderness first responders - lodging/meals/gear included with a paid stipend (to all my wilderness/lifeguard buddies out there - get in touch with me if you are interested!). It is beginning to feel like we will fall into place here!

On the Western end, the Hope center is just being remodeled. Anais and I have an opportunity to get our hands in on a project that is just beginning. The vision is to funnel people to the beach of the Hope Center, as it is less threatening and calmer than others. A lifeguard team is going to be needed. Tomorrow morning we head back to the Western end to give what we can!

Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. Please support us at: http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/