Importance of Water Safety in Costa Rica
Whether you live in Costa Rica or you are only visiting – it is easy to get wrapped up in the beauty and wonder when visiting the countries beaches – and forget that the ocean is a powerful force of nature. Recently there have been people who have tragically lost their lives in our waters.
There are a few Life Guard stations around Costa Rica but certainly not on EVERY beach. Nosara only recently started their own and you can follow them here on Instagram. This group was spearheaded partly by people who witnessed a tragic drowning on Christmas day on the beach there.
Sneaker waves and rip currents are prevalent here and caution must be taken always. Never turn your back on the ocean – or lose sight of your children. It is imperative that you familiarize yourself with rip currents, how to spot them and how to get yourself out of one. Moving at speeds of up to eight feet per second, these can move faster than an Olympic swimmer. It is also imperative to be aware of tides – hiking to secret hidden beaches is a fantastic pastime here – until you find yourself trapped by fast-moving high tides.
In the case of emergencies, you can call 911 across Costa Rica for assistance. It is also our responsibility to help others – if you see tourists or others at a dangerous location or situation please advise them that area may not be safe or that there are rip currents – you may save a life!
Spotting Rip Currents
Not all beaches in Costa Rica have signs warning of rip currents or dangerous conditions. Educate yourselves about the area you are visiting and speak with locals regarding safe areas to swim or surf. A rip current is a body of water that travels out to sea away from shore and contains very strong currents that can move out into deeper water very rapidly – which can tire out a swimmer or surfer who is not aware of the best way to get out. The majority of lifeguard rescues involve rip currents.
To spot a rip current look for:
- Look for patches of water that are darker in color to the surrounding water
- The surface of the water flickers or dances in the area where the rip is
- Waves look different and don’t break as often
The characteristics of rips change quickly and don’t always show all of the above signs at once. They are easier to spot from an elevated viewpoint. Also, watch for foam or debris that is being carried out to sea. Always be sure to check your local conditions and weather before you head out.
What to Do When Caught in a Rip Current
First and most important – STAY CALM. Panic will only worsen the situation and you will become tired far faster. The current will not pull you underwater – it will pull you out to deeper water. In order to exit the current, you will need to swim at a 45-degree angle of the current and parallel to shore (see infographic). If you cannot escape the current, float or tread water to conserve energy. Indicate you need help by shouting and waving your hands high in the air.
Rip currents are not caused by bad weather. They can occur during the sunniest of days. They are caused by the waves, tides, and ocean floor among other factors.
If you are not confident in your ability to swim, try one of the calmer beaches or take an ocean safety/swimming course to learn how to navigate the waves safely.
Costa Rica is one the most beautiful countries in the world, but it is also wild. Always respect nature and its power and remains vigilant. Let us look out for each other and make sure we all enjoy our time in the ocean and also get home safely afterward. That is the real definition of Pura Vida.