Asociacion Guardavidas en las playas de Santa Teresa Malpais y Hermosa de Cobano de Puntarenas
Servicios socioeconómicos | Socioeconomic services
About
Santa Teresa Lifeguards is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through water rescue, drowning prevention, emergency response, and aquatic safety education. Founded in 2014, the organization operates 365 days a year across some of Costa Rica’s most visited beaches, protecting residents and visitors while training lifeguards and strengthening community preparedness. Through year-round rescue services, education, and lifesaving training, Santa Teresa Lifeguards promotes a culture of prevention and helps make local beaches safer for everyone.
Impact
6,628
Preventive Actions
in 2025
216
Water Rescues
in 2025
131
First Aid
Responses in 2025
Programs
International Volunteer Lifeguard Program
Brings trained volunteer lifeguards together to strengthen year-round beach safety and emergency response.
Aquatic Safety Education
Teaches children and students essential water safety skills and drowning prevention practices.
Community Lifesaving Training
Provides training in water rescue, CPR, and first aid, giving community members practical skills to respond to emergencies.
Current Need
The next step in strengthening beach safety is creating Santa Teresa’s first Lifeguard Academy to train a new generation of Costa Rican lifeguards. The organization also aims to expand aquatic safety education in schools and build strategic partnerships that ensure lifesaving services remain available throughout the year. Donations, corporate partnerships, volunteers, and awareness initiatives will help increase local capacity, prevent drownings, and keep Santa Teresa’s beaches safer for residents and visitors.
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.