ABOUT
US

Santa Teresa Lifeguards are trained and dedicated to provide safety to the people that enjoy the beaches of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Our organization was born in 2015 as a community response to 2 incidents that resulted in 3 drowning deaths on our beaches. Currently our community is one of the most important tourist and surfing destinations.  Our currents, tides and strong waves can cause problems for even the most experienced swimmer or surfer. So, we have a huge responsibility to keep our beaches safe.

Our History

In 2015, after 3 tragic incidents, a group of foreign lifeguards, led by Matías Etchenique, organized to patrol the beach during high tourist seasons. Given the speed with which Easter was approaching, a very dear member of the community, Thomas Richie, took the initiative to build 4 lifeguard towers, located at 4 strategic points. In May 2015, the Aquatic Rescue Course was held, taught by the International Red Cross, with which we were able to certify the knowledge of 15 local lifeguards, and the program was strengthened with qualified human resources.

​Thanks to the support of generous hands, we have achieved the dream of having a headquarters where we have the capacity to provide housing up to 12 volunteer lifeguards.​

Our voluntary exchange program has allowed us to have the participation of more than 60 volunteers from different parts of the world (USA, Argentina, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Portugal, Brazil, France, England, and New Zealand) to provide guard service as many hours as possible, and in as many areas (towers).Our doors are open to all the lifeguards who want to join the team by donating their time, knowledge, and experience to enrich the program and guarantee the safety of our sea.​

We hope to soon have the support of our local government to sustain the operation permanently, and offer paid positions; for the moment we continue to be self-financing with what we generate and with cooperation of our community.

meet
our team

This our team- joyful and proactive people who work for better and safer community.

TOMAS RITCHIE

CO. FOUNDERS / WATERMAN

It is not easy to explain in few words but Thomas could be saint of Santa Teresa. He ceeps us dreaming, supportive and inspiring!

MATIAS ETCHENIQUE

CO. FOUNDERS / LIFEGUARD

Matías, the man the myth the legend! If it wasn’t for his vision and passion Lifeguards Santa Teresa wouldn’t be what it is today.

Stephanie Porras Barquero

President of the association

President of the association

MELISA GARRONE

Team captain

Our co-captain helping Matias navigate new volunteers around beautiful Santa Teresa beaches.

Avalon Ritchie

Lifeguard

Lifeguard

Kristine Ritchie

Project manager

Project manager

BERNARDO PRO

LIFEGUARD

Captain’s right hand for beach duties and for the volunteer lifeguards he is like a big brother.

Juan Luis Mora Cascante

Legal counselor

Legal counselor

GABY MERINO

VOLUNTEERS COORDINATOR

Gaby is the female power that stands behind our team and supports of all our volunteers and gym members with her energy and sincerity.

ALISE LECE

HEADQUARTERS MANAGER

Thanks to Alice, who has joined our team from Latvia and is number 1 in fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to her, our volunteers have no difficulty in adapting to STLG. ​

Mauro Lepera

lifeguard, gym reception

Lifeguard, gym reception

meet
our athletes

Get to know the talented athletes who inspire us with their dedication, passion, and outstanding achievements.

Esteban Chavess

Surfer

Professional surf rider from Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Sebas Schneider

Surfer

Professional surf rider from Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Holman Ortega Hernández

Cyclist

Professional cyclist from Santa Teresa

TOP

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