Thanks to the inexhaustible efforts of the National Association of Lifeguards in Costa Rica, more aquatic lifesavers are being trained and posted on our numerous beaches. On September 15^th, the Association was formally accepted into the International Life Saving Federation; this announcement prompted them to complete training of a new group of proud lifeguards in Tamarindo Beach, province of Guanacaste.

The strong rip current and unpredictable surf break conditions of Tamarindo Beach had already provided the lifeguard class with a live rescue mission that was successfully incorporated as part of the training curriculum. Nonetheless, an even more challenging missions awaited these newly minted lifeguards who had barely graduated hours before.

A strong breaking wave that started off as part of a smooth set developing into an A-Frame shape unexpectedly crashed with sheer force on a group of Canadian tourists enjoying a well-deserved vacation in Costa Rica. Alas, the wave created a potent seaward undertow that rolled three swimmers into the treacherous rip currents off Guanacaste. This happened on November 19^th during a sunny afternoon.

The new Tamarindo Beach lifeguards sprung into action and were able to rescue and stabilize two of the victims within 10 minutes. Regrettably, the third victim they returned to shore was identified as Canadian tourist Dennis Dacuik, whose condition required immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The new lifeguards initiated CPR as they waited for Red Cross paramedics to arrive. As it happens, ground crew members of an air ambulance firm happened to be nearby and immediately assisted the 72-year old victim. Despite advanced lifesaving efforts such as intubation and oxygen, Mr. Dacuik was pronounced dead on the scene by the time the Red Cross ambulance from the Cartagena detachment arrived.

Earlier this year, The Costa Rica Star tallied four Canadians who drowned in our country in about 12 months. Three were swimmers on vacation and one was a diver. They drowned in Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limon. Strong rip current and unpredictable surf conditions were reported in three cases. The Costa Rica Star herewith salutes the new lifeguards in Tamarindo Beach and wishes them the best while they perform their honorable duty.