Costa Rica’s Independence Day is the perfect moment to celebrate this beautiful country and its spirit with your loved ones. In Santa Teresa, many families and friends gather on the beach to enjoy the sunshine, the waves, and each other’s company.

But with more people at the beach than usual, it’s important to keep safety front and center. At Santa Teresa Lifeguards, our mission is to make sure everyone can celebrate safely.

Know Before You Go

• Check in with lifeguards: If you’re at a beach with lifeguards, ask them about current conditions and the safest swimming areas.
• No lifeguard on duty? Extra caution is needed: Sadly, many beaches in Costa Rica don’t have professional lifeguards. If you’re at an unguarded beach:
  • Swim with a buddy – never alone.
  • Stay close to shore – avoid going out deep, especially with kids.
  • Observe the ocean first – watch the waves for at least 10 minutes before entering. Look for signs of rip currents like darker water channels or water pulling outward.

Celebrate Smart & Stay Sun Safe

• Avoid alcohol in the ocean: Swimming or surfing under the influence increases the risk of accidents. Celebrate responsibly on shore, not in the waves.
• Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water and drink regularly to avoid dehydration.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen: Apply generously and reapply after swimming.
• Take shade breaks: Bring a hat, umbrella, or tent to cool off and prevent heat exhaustion.

In Case of Emergency

• If there are lifeguards: Alert them immediately.
• If there are no lifeguards:
  • Call 9-1-1 for urgent assistance.
  • If someone is caught in a rip current, do not enter the water if you are untrained. Instead, throw them something that floats (a surfboard, cooler lid, bodyboard) and guide them to swim parallel to shore.

Celebrate with Care

This Independence Day, let’s come together to enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica’s oceans and nature. Celebrate with care by respecting the environment, leaving the beaches cleaner than you found them. Grab a bag, pick up some trash, and help protect the places we all love.

Our volunteer lifeguards will be on duty in Santa Teresa to protect you—365 days a year, without government support—thanks to the power of community and international volunteers. Every gym membership, donation, and word of support helps keep this essential service alive.

From all of us at Santa Teresa Lifeguards:
Have a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day!

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