More people have drowned along the 17 miles of the Central Pacific Coast, including Esterillos, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Bejuco, than any other stretch of Costa Rica. So why haven’t… Read more » Continue reading →
More people have drowned along the 17 miles of the Central Pacific Coast, including Esterillos, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Bejuco, than any other stretch of Costa Rica. So why havent you heard a warning about it?
World Life Expectancy reports Costa Rica as the 101st country out of 192 countries polled with 3.4 reported drownings for every 100,000 people. Thats almost triple the amount of deaths of that of US. Keep in mind that all the statistics mentioned are for reported drownings. Many of the young lives lost are nationals who live well below the poverty line. They venture to the beaches to escape from the brutal tropical sun indulging in the saltwater baths. Many impoverished Costa Ricans are never taught to swim, nor are they educated about rip currents. Children are also afforded more independence at younger age than their peers from the United States. This trifecta results in much tragedy. Not all drownings are reported. Deborah Crane, an expat, surfer, surf videographer, and mentor for many young ticos in Playa Bejuco stated that there were 60 drownings alone along the mentioned 17 miles of beach over a four-month stretch that included Christmas week, semana de Santa. When she searched for more information online about the lives that were lost, she could only find basic information for six out of the sixty deaths.
According to the statistics released by the ICT (Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) 90% of Costa Ricas reported 150 to 200 yearly drowning deaths occur at 5% of Costa Ricas beaches with 80% related to rip currents. The Southern California native, Deborah, laments how every young life she mourns arises an anger inside her. Why doesnt this make the news? Why is it skirted under the rug? How do we offer our respects if the common practice is to look the other direction?
Deborah drives the beach, patrolling, a few times a day with a lifeguard rescue can in stow. She channeled her anger and passion through the creation of a lifeguard volunteer program with local surf sensations, hoping to offer them specialized training and increased marketability to secure a job that they will enjoy, simultaneously making the beach safer. She implored the Costa Rica Coast Guard to put the boys through a grueling five day training that rewarded each participant with a CPR/First Aid and Lifeguard certification. As a perk, Deborah frequently fundraised to help cover the expenses associated with entrance fees for local surf contests. Crane reached out to local hotels and restaurants hoping that they could sponsor at least a free meal, hoping that they would want to do that and offer some annual funds for a salary for the boys, since they would be creating a safer environment for the patrons of the hotels. She was struck down every time. Local expats offered money, food, or lifeguard supplies on occasion.
Crane approached the Parrita Municipality numerous times begging for funding for a lifeguard program in Playa Bejuco. She was denied for over a year. As the life guards witnessed the changes of pay dwindle, they began to lose interest. Slowly, Deborah had fewer and fewer trained guards patrolling the beach. In February, she was finally advised that Parrita had budgeted two lifeguard positions. Only the positions paid the unskilled workers minimum wage of ?8.416,72 ($15.15 USD) for an eight-hour work day! Thats $1.89USD per hour. To date, she hasnt been able to entice the guards that she had trained to take a position. Begrudgingly, Deborah admits, No matter how bad I want this for them, I cant force them to do something that they are no longer interested in. The dangers of the Central Pacific beaches will continue to take lives until changes are made.
To learn more about life in Costa Rica, see www.becominganexpat.com
Shannon is an international resident from San Diego, currently residing in Costa Rica. Her first career of 10 years was spent serving San Diego & Kansas City as a paramedic. Shannon had visited over 27 countries by the age of 30. After a back injury shifted her path, she quickly chose Costa Rica as her first international destination. In addition to writing, Shannon owns Enete Enterprises, LLC a video and print publication company that specializes in travel guidebooks and the creation of marketing videos for tourism, hospitality, and real estate sectors. To learn more about Costa Rica, and the upcoming editions: Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico, and Malaysia visit www.BecominganExpat.com and sign up for our newsletter.