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I just read about another drowning in Costa Rica, behind Rocking J’s in Puerto
Viejo. It seems that drownings top the list of accidental deaths in Costa
Rica. I would like to get in touch with any life guard programs in Costa Rica,
as I think I may have an idea that may ameliorate this situation. Is there
a central listing to identify which beach communities currently have life
guard programs, and are there statistics available that list
the number of drowning victims for the last five years and at which beaches?
Any assistance would be appreciated.It’s truly very unfortunate that there have been so many drownings lately, but there seems to be a link all along the Atlantic Coast and not just in CR. It seems that there is a large number of drownings on the US East Coast too. Nearby storms create precarious swimming conditions and we should all be extra careful when there are storms nearby that may affect the coastlines. That said, I have been to a great number of beaches in Costa Rica (on both coasts) and most of these beaches do NOT have lifeguards on duty. Some resorts do hire lifeguards, but remember that the beaches in CR are public areas and probably should have some money allocated for this service, but unfortunately, they typically don’t. You could check their Statistics Dept regarding # of drownings(maybe the University of Costa Rica has some of this info or their Health Dept)…From hearsay, you typically hear of drownings in Jaco and Manuel Antonio beaches…both are known for their strong riptides…For the most part, in order to stay safe in the water, never swim alone and always keep an eye on your kids when they’re in the water.
I consider myself a good swimmer and have swam in the ocean since I lived near the Med. Sea my first 9 years of life. However, every so often I get a reminder of how powerful and unpredictable the ocean can be. Earlier this year in Mal Pais, I got caught in a rip tide and if it was not for remembering my training (swimming parallel to the tide), I surely would have drowned. My advice is never swim when the tide is going out, if you are hesitant or have a fear, never wade past your waist. This is especially true on the Pacific side where the waves are much larger. Also, tides on the Atlantic do not very more than 2′, but they vary up to 12′ on the Pacific. Know your tide tables and all children should have some sort of flotation device. Even a Boogie Board can save your life.
I beleive there were 2 or more drowning deaths in Dominical very recently. While in Manuel Antonio last year we witnessed a near drowning which would have ended in death if not for the efforts of two younger guys with boogie boards who rushed out to save the near-victim. All three were swept into the rocks and suffered injury, cuts, etc. The Lonely Planet guided to CR does a good job in detailing beach conditions, safe/ unsafe. Dominical is noted for dangerous rip-tides, swimmers are directed south to Dominicalito I think—-
Personal responsibility comes into play here, being well informed, careful and sober make for a safe, fun experience.
BTW—a high number of people were killed last weekend in New York/Coney Island/Long Island due to rip tides.
Maybe a more cost effective solution would be Spanish/English signs posted in the areas where these tragic deaths occur—akin to the hearts painted on the roads. —-or would hotel/development intersts object to this being too negative a reality check?I know there is a program in Dominical. I read about it in Surfer magazine. They are run by donations & fundraisers. Go to http://www.sellingcr.com/playa-dominical-lifeguard-program.html or http://dominical.biz/lifeguards/index.htm for contact info. They may be a good resource for other programs or can at least tell you what has and hasn’t worked since I read they have been doing this for like 10 years. BTW-the area they patrol is unfortunately very small (marked by flags), but hey-given the currents there-I am sure they have made a very big impact
Miami beaches have plenty of lifeguards. The waters here are relatively gentle compared to CR pacific waters in CR. And we still have drownings, most of them kids. Safety is always primarily the responsibility of each adult who enters the water himslef or lets his child enter the water.
I watched small children swimming in a rapid Serapiqui river in Costa Rica one day. No parents around, swirling, rapid water and up stream were a few lazing 14 foot long crocs. I was simply amazed that parents would let small children play in that very dangerous environment and I said so to my friend. My Tico companion responded that “Ticos no tienen miedo.” Ticos are not fearful. Sometimes a child drowns. He also told me that the kids played in the fields along the shore where poisonous snakes roamed and sometimes fatalities happened there as well.I grew up in coastal Virginia. One location in Virginia Beach near a river inlet has very dangerous drop offs and swift currents, also easy public access for those who would come to crab and fish. These folks were mostly from lower income groups, as they fished from shore. Over about 20 years upwards of 50 people died there, drowning by going beyond the drop off and getting caught in the current—it runs 7-8 knots with the tide. Finally, the city posted signs listing the names of those who’d died along with big skull and crossbones at top of signs—-no drownings in a number of years. Worked at Lynnhaven Inlet in Virginia Beach, might work in Costa Rica.
edSome of this has to do with expectations, assumptions and the general level of fear in a population. People take more risks when they have low levels of fear and expectations.To me, Costa Ricans seem to have much lower expectations and much, much lower levels of fear than Americans even though they have relatively less public protective measures in place,
Fewer police, fewer life guards, less safe roads, etc… Yet they thrive and are fearless compared to Americans. This says a lot about both of our cultures and for me is more relevant than drowning statistics.This is being reposted here by Scott since the is very relevant to this thread.
Here’s a question, if comfortable inflatable life vests were available as a rental through the life guard stations/programs (say $10/day), do you think people would rent them/wear them?
The rentals could help pay for the expenses of these programs and would be an on-going source of revenue to help pay lifeguard salaries/build new towers/develop new lifeguard programs.
When we were on the Pacific coast in 2006, 6 people drowned in the surf in Jaco a week before we arrived. In Manuel Antonio, we saw the Cruz Roja fish a body out while our sons were still in the water. The owner of our hotel said it happens especially when people drink too much and go in the water.
Most hotel owners, and guides will tell you to not wade in past your hips. It is for good reason. A rip current is all but impossible to swim against. Just because you are on vacation, don’t think it could not happen.
In 9 days on the beach, we did only see one lifeguard. There are very few in CR, and you have to take your own precautions. Enjoy the water by all means, but use common sense.
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