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.

In 2021 they alerted over 5000 preventions from drowning (warning swimmers directly not to go too deep), 12 applications of first aid, and 30 rescues.
That is 30 lives that would have been lost if they were not present. Their job is to protect you and your family, your friends, and house guests on both the beaches of Playa Hermosa and Dominical.

We not only need donations but volunteers to help with educational programs, outreach, grant writing, and fundraising. Without your support, the lifeguard program would cease to exist. If you want to get involved, please get in touch with us. And to make a US tax-deductible donation, use this link.