Mexico Drowning Prevention Clinic — Jalcomulco, Veracruz

In January 2025, the ACA recognized 17 outstanding ACA Instructors whose collective effort brought life-saving education to an entire community in Jalcomulco, Veracruz, Mexico.

"On December 10, this dedicated team delivered a free Drowning Prevention Workshop to 150 participants as part of the village's annual Safety and Rescue Rendezvous."

Attendees included river guides, kayakers, police, civil protection personnel, and local parents — all united by the shared goal of learning how to recognize and respond to a drowning emergency.

The workshop featured a powerful presentation by Dr. Chris Davis, with translation provided by ACA River Kayak Instructor Aisha Jalil, ensuring the critical information was accessible to everyone in attendance.

The instructional team represented a truly international collaboration, with ACA instructors traveling from Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

View All 17 Participating Instructors ▸
  • Dr. Chris Davis — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Dave Bumgarner — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Lynsey Nunes — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Marcus Vanata — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Ben Mudd — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Arturo Pensado — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Gervasio Rodríguez — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Mario Geron — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Paco Rodríguez — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Jaime Canseco — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Aury Carrillo — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Manu Lucia — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
  • Jim Coffey — Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Trainer
  • Kedín Álvarez — River Kayak Instructor
  • José Milán — River Kayak Instructor
  • Jhonatan Cendejas — River Kayak Instructor
  • Aisha Jalil — River Kayak Instructor

"By sharing their expertise across borders and cultures, these instructors didn't just teach skills — they helped strengthen a community's ability to protect one another."