On Saturday, May 23^rd, the coastal community of Playa Tamarindo in Costa Rica will gather in front of the ocean to inaugurate its very first lifeguard tower. According to a news report published by daily tabloid Diario Extra, the new lifeguard tower is part of many efforts being undertaken by the local community development association to protect residents and locals at this popular beach destination in Costa Rica.

The initiative to establish a permanent lifeguard program in Playa Tamarindo started in December 2014. Since then, the number of aquatic accidents and fatalities has been substantially reduced. Over the last two months, the Tamarindo beach lifeguards have received additional training and participated in nearly 30 rescues.

The inaugural act of this first-ever watchtower will take place right before sundown, at 4:30 pm. This new rescue structure stands 1.5 meters over the sand, and it stands 4.5 meters tall. The tower is designed to maximize air flow and reduce the year-round high temperatures; inside the tower there is a stretcher for treatment, a locker to stow away rescue equipment, and enough room to accommodate a lifesaving team.

The community development association is already making future plans to build a second lifeguard tower to accommodate the growing number of visitors to this community, which is one of the most expensive in our country.

Located in Guanacaste, Playa Tamarindo is home to one of the largest North American and European expat communities outside of the Central Valley of Costa Rica, although in recent years the town has seen a greater number of expats from South America and Nicaragua. Many locals playfully refer to this community as “Tamagringo.”