Fledgling volunteer lifeguard program is born and other happenings in Tamarindo

By Tamarindo Community Reporter, Liisa Vexler

November 28th, 2014 (InsideCostaRica.com) Last week, eleven new lifeguard graduates joined the fifteen that graduated in October with a vow to protect and serve the Tamarindo community. While there is now trained personnel in the area, there remains a lack of resources and equipment required to keep the beach safe. In an attempt to raise the funds needed, the lifeguards are joining forces with local hotels and businesses and working with the new Tamarindo association of integral development (direct translation).

While the overall goal is to keep the beach in Tamarindo safe, the lifeguards have identified several objectives as priorities:

Proper signage on the beach to warn visitors about the currents that exist
A rotation of lifeguards on duty
A public education campaign to raise awareness about rip currents and how to escape from them

To achieve these objectives, the lifeguards have set up a fundraising page as means of collecting online donations. Contributions are welcome, especially if you visit, vacation, or reside in the area. If you would or your business would like to donate, please visit http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/life-guard-equipment-fund-fondos-para-equipo-de-salvavidas/268221.

To keep abreast of the progress the lifeguards are making in this area, visit and ‘like’ their Facebook page.

Standing Room Only BINGO for TIDE Academy Scholarship Fund Was a Great Example of Tamarindo Community Spirit

Chelsea Lisaius, Director of TIDE Academy, welcomed a packed house at Doña Lee’s Country Kitchen on Tuesday evening as a standing room only crowd came out to play BINGO in support of the school’s scholarship fund. More than $800 was raised at the event. This demonstration of community spirit is nothing new for Tamarindo, where a similar fundraiser for homeless animals garnered a similar response just a month ago.

Residents new and old gathered for laughs, community and ten rounds of BINGO with a raffle. Lisaius said, “For a small school in a small community, the response was overwhelming. We had over $2,500 in prize value with a just a couple of emails and few Facebook posts”.

The grand prize was a three-night stay at The Palms in Flamingo valued at between $800 and $2,100. Mark Randall, International Director of Real Estate for The Palms said, “We here at The Palms support TIDE Academy and it’s quest to educate children that do not fit into the average school system. Through The Palms and its owners, we encourage an international approach to education and are proud to help build programs that allow parents to get their children out of the normal boxes and allow for cross cultural problem solving as a foundation for future relationships. We look forward to additional opportunities in helping TIDE Academy grow and are anxious to be a part of what this organization represents.”

In addition to The Palms, support for the event came from Langosta Beach Club, Revive Wellness Center, Pura Vida Photography, Cinde Jeheber, Pizza & Co, Cafe Tico, Katrina Hannah Yoga, Pura Aventura, Papaya Con Leche, Pura Vida Photography, Hotel Luamey, Watermans Surf and Sport, Tamarindo Jiu Jitsu & Surf Academy, OMC Mechanical, Tamarindo Car Center, Jaime Peligro Bookstore, Costa Rica Sailing Center, and volunteers.

Liisa Vexler

Liisa Vexler is the author of The Family Freedom Project: A Step-By-Step Guide to Living Abroad with Kids. From Dream to Plan to Reality.

On their honeymoon, Liisa and her husband fell in love with Costa Rica. They designed their lifestyles so it could eventually become their home. She now speaks and writes about their experience in addition to managing her busy medical writing business.

Liisa lives with her husband and two sons in Tamarindo where she is currently working on her second book. Connect with her on Twitter, on Facebook, or on Google+.