ASOCIACION DE GUARDAVIDAS EN PLAYA GRANDE
Servicios socioeconómicos | Socioeconomic services
About
Asociación de Guardavidas en Playa Grande is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to preventing drownings and improving beach safety in Playa Grande, Guanacaste. Founded in 2021, the organization patrols the beach on Sundays, when drowning risk is highest, with trained volunteer lifeguards and support from local surfers who regularly assist in rescues. Through lifeguard certification, community training, safety equipment, and local partnerships, the association is building the capacity needed to expand patrol coverage and provide faster, more reliable emergency response for residents and visitors.
Impact
82
Lifeguards
Trained
741
Preventive
Actions
27
Water Rescues
Programs
Lifeguard & Community Training
Trains volunteer lifeguards and provides lifesaving skills to children, businesses, surfers, and other community members.
Beach Safety & Equipment
Strengthens prevention and emergency response through patrols, rescue equipment, a lifeguard tower, and local partnerships.
Professional Lifeguard Development
Works toward creating paid lifeguard positions to expand coverage and build a sustainable beach safety service.
Current Need
Expanding patrol coverage from one to two or more days per week is the association’s next priority. This requires certifying new volunteer lifeguards, providing CPR training to 10+ local businesses and schools, and strengthening coordination with local surfers who regularly assist with rescues. Donations will help fund training, essential equipment, and future paid lifeguard positions, while volunteers and local partnerships can help build a more consistent and sustainable safety presence in Playa Grande.
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
Governance
Impact
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.