Puerto Viejo Doesn't Want Drownings On Its Beaches
Although most of the beaches in Costa Rica - especially the more dangerous ones - do not have life guards or any signs, Playa Cocles, in Puerto Viejo (Limón) is changing that.

The beach, located in the south Caribbean coast has strong currents, huge waves and has in the last several years become a favourite tourist spot and the project "Salvavidas playa Cocles" that began in 2003 put an end to tragedies like the one that saw five tourists lose their lives in March of 2002.

Many tourists are asking why the beaches don't have signs and possibly avoid tragedies like the one suffered last in Palo Seco, Parrita, on the Pacific coast. The answer is simple, it costs money and the government doesn't make it a priority.

That is why in Cocles, the Salvavidas project is financed by 60 local merchants, who each month contribute from their own pockets or from customer donations, some ¢500.000 colones (us$1.000) per month to pay the salaries of two lifeguards that on watch every day, according to Eddie Ryan, vice-president of the Cámara de Turismo de Puerto Viejo.

"It is a good formula. Since the beginning of the program there have been no drownings at Cocles", said Ryan.

Ryan sais that Cocles is a pilot project that he hopes will be adopted by many beach communities around the country. The tourism chamber vice-president says that the lifeguards are paid ¢9.000 colones (us$17.50) daily, plus insurance and medical benefits. During Semana Santa and other holidays where the number of tourists increase, one additional lifeguard is added to the post.

The lifeguards, not only get paid but also have the basic lifesaving tools available to do their job.

"The government is too busy with other things than to implement a project like this one in the country, so beach communities should adopt their own lifesaving programs", said local merchant Bruno López.

Jorge Rovira, sub-director of operations of the Cruz Roja Costarricense (Costa Rican Red Cross) again last week made an urgent call on the necessity of life guards and signage at all the beaches in the country.

According to Cruz Roja records, this year alone there have already been 25 deaths from drowning at various beaches in the country.
 

A letter from Jessica's Aunt

Could someone please explain to me why there wasn't warning signs posted on the beach at Palo Seco warning tourists about the current.

I understand that it is a popular area with tourists, but before last week's drowning of 3 Kansas students and their teacher at least 4 other people have lost their lived in drowning accidents this year alone along that area.

I for one am outraged.

It seems to me that the last of postings is saying that by warning to the general public of the currents you could love potential tourists to the area.

Does money mean that much to your country?

A couple of kids said that they were told that it was OK to swim as long as they were careful. I for one do not feel this adequate.

Money can be replaced, BUT LIVES NOT. Before this happens again to someone else's family, I would hope somone would do something to rectify this.

Danielle, Andrew, Jessica and Brett was someone's child, brother, sistet, etc. Think how you would feel if the show was on the other foot.

Sandrah Pierce (Jessica's Aunt).