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Asociación de Guardavidas de la Zona Sur de Costa Rica

Servicios socioeconómicos | Socioeconomic services

Puntarenas
Keeping Costa Ballena beaches safer, every day.

About

Asociación de Guardavidas de la Zona Sur de Costa Rica provides professional lifeguard services at Playa Dominical and Playa Hermosa in the Costa Ballena region. Through certified open-water rescue, CPR, and first aid teams, the organization works to prevent drownings and respond quickly to ocean emergencies on two high-risk beaches. Its community-driven model brings together trained lifeguards, volunteers, local supporters, and public-private partnerships to provide daily prevention, rescue, medical assistance, and water-safety education for residents and visitors.

Impact

6,700+
Preventive Actions
in 2026

17
Water Rescues
in 2026

Zero On-Duty Drownings in 2026

Programs

Professional Lifeguard Services

Operates lifeguard towers providing daily prevention, open-water rescue, and medical assistance at Dominical and Playa Hermosa.

Community Water-Safety Training

Provides CPR, swimming, and water-safety training to strengthen lifesaving skills and emergency preparedness within the community.

Beach Safety Education

Educates residents and visitors about ocean risks, drowning prevention, and safer practices while enjoying Costa Ballena’s beaches.

Current Need

Maintaining consistent lifeguard coverage is essential to preventing drownings on Costa Ballena’s high-risk beaches. The organization aims to sustain daily operations at Playa Dominical, restore full coverage at Playa Hermosa, expand community water-safety education, and strengthen its volunteer and training programs. Long-term donations, grants, municipal agreements, and community support are critical to securing sustainable lifeguard services and continuing the goal of zero on-duty drownings.

Growing Stronger Every Year

We’re proud to participate in Amigos of Costa Rica’s Transparency Badge System, which evaluates organizations across three key areas: financial stewardship, governance, and community impact.

Organizations are recognized at four levels of growth: Seed, Sprout, Sapling, and Tree, helping donors better understand each organization’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The badges displayed below reflect our current achievements and our ongoing commitment to strengthening our organization and maximizing our impact.

Finance

Seed

Governance

Seed

Impact

Sprout

Ready to Join Our Mission?

Support this organization using the donation method that works best for you. Online giving is available through credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal, with additional options including wire transfers, stock gifts, checks, Zelle, and cryptocurrency donations.

Connect With Us

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