Protecting Swimmers on our Beaches

AUTHOR: Greg Gordon

In the 18 months I have been President of the Costa Ballena Lifeguard Association, Lifeguard Association, I have a new appreciation of all the work the lifeguards do to keep the beaches safe. They are there six days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

They sit outside in the blazing sun or inside a tiny box during heavy rains. They train (out of their work schedule) on first aid techniques, CPR, running, lifting weights, and open ocean swimming. And when it is a matter of life or death, they are prepared to rescue a drowning swimmer in waves that can reach 12 feet or more.

My job as President is to make sure the program goes smoothly. It is a volunteer position. We have had a contract with the Municipality de Osa for the last three years, paying for four lifeguards. It does not pay for equipment, tower repairs, or a fifth lifeguard, so the other four can take a day off, lawyer and accountant fees, administration costs, or first aid supplies. For that reason, our association has to raise money from the local community. With five lifeguards, it takes about $90,000 a year to keep the program going.