By Wendy Anders

Costa Rica’s National Lifeguards Association have recorded 118 drowning deaths in the country so far this year, they reported in an interview with Monumental Radio (93.5 FM) today.

The country’s average annual 160 drowning deaths, in rivers and oceans combined, is considered by health specialists as very high, Luis Hidalgo, the non-profit association’s president said to Monumental Radio.

This has prompted the association to take formal steps to allow for lifeguards to be a permanent fixture on the country’s main beaches, especially those with high riptide risks. They are working with several legislators to draft a law that would provide stable funding for at least 300 lifeguard positions throughout the country, and an additional number of auxiliary guards during peak vacation times such as Easter Week and Christmas/New Years, said Hidalgo.

Hidalgo said an educational component to the law would be included so that schools include water safety in their curriculum. Hidalgo said that there is a prevalent myth among Ticos that foreigners are mainly the ones who drown, when in fact the majority of people who drown each year here are Costa Ricans.

Hidalgo believes at least a quarter of current water-related deaths are preventable, reported Monumental Radio.