Guardavidas Costa Ballena

Every day, lives are at risk on Costa Ballena beaches.

Our lifeguards prevent drownings, but without funding, they can't stay on the beach.

6,700+ Preventions
17 Rescues
0 On-duty drownings
The Reality

Costa Ballena has some of the most powerful waves in Costa Rica.

Without lifeguards, a small mistake can become fatal in seconds.

What your support makes possible

Your contribution keeps lifeguards on the beach and protects thousands every season.

Daily Protection

Lifeguard presence at Playa Hermosa and Dominical, every day of the week.

Emergency Response

Immediate rescues and first aid for swimmers in distress.

Community Training

CPR, swimming lessons, and rescue skills for locals and visitors.

Prevention Education

Beach safety education to prevent accidents before they happen.

Transparency

Where your money goes

Your donations directly support:

  1. 1 Lifeguard salaries
  2. 2 Insurance (CCSS, Riesgos del Trabajo)
  3. 3 Equipment and rescue gear
  4. 4 Beach operations and logistics

Committed to transparency and community accountability.

100% traceable Every dollar documented
Surf Rescue Society

Our Programs

Three pillars that keep the community safer — all year round.

01

International Volunteer Program

Experienced lifeguards from around the world join during peak season to strengthen beach coverage across Costa Ballena.

02

Junior Lifeguard Program

We train local youth with rescue, swimming, and ocean safety skills — building the next generation of lifeguards.

03

Community Outreach

Workshops, talks, and activities that engage residents and local businesses in ocean safety culture.

Get involved

Open to local and international volunteers

Official data

Our Impact

Behind every number is a life protected.

Logbook reports: April – December 2025

0
Preventions

More preventions than rescues: proof that lifeguards are doing exactly their job.

Playa Hermosa 4,345
Playa Dominical 2,344
0
Water Rescues
Hermosa: 11Dominical: 6
0
Medical Assists
Hermosa: 12Dominical: 3
0
On-duty Drownings

When we are present, no one dies.

Without lifeguards on duty
8
Off-duty drownings

These tragedies happened outside lifeguard duty hours or in unprotected areas. They are the clearest argument for why this mission matters.

Playa Hermosa 3
Playa Dominical 2
Rocas de Amancio 3
Active campaign

Help us reopen Playa Hermosa

Playa Dominical is currently fully funded — and protected. Our next goal is to reopen Playa Hermosa and bring lifeguards back to the beach. To do this responsibly, we aim to secure at least 6 months of funding in advance.

Playa Dominical — fully funded and protected
Become an Annual Supporter
Playa Hermosa
In progress
$0
raised of $60,000 goal
0%

Goal: 6 months of stable funding to guarantee continuous beach coverage.

Support tiers

Choose how you want to help

We have a vision. Help us bring it to life.

Limited spots
COSTA BALLENA · LIFEGUARDS
Platinum
Annual Supporter
$25,000+ /yr
  • Includes all preceding tier benefits
  • Private quarterly strategy access
  • Influence on key decisions
  • Big logo on rescue tower
  • Featured as Platinum Sponsor (top website placement)
  • Invitation to private dinner with leadership & Platinum donors
  • Limited spots available
See more
COSTA BALLENA · LIFEGUARDS
Gold
Annual Supporter
$5,000 /yr
  • All blue, red, black and silver benefits
  • 2 Gold Stickers
  • Bi-annual hosted dinner with leadership (direct dialogue)
  • Expense and strategic planning review access
  • Logo on rescue tower signage
  • Public acknowledgment in press or documentaries
See more
COSTA BALLENA · LIFEGUARDS
Silver
Annual Supporter
$2,500 /yr
  • All blue, red and black benefits
  • 2 Silver Stickers
  • Personalized thank-you video from lifeguards
  • Invitations to sponsor-only gatherings
  • Named equipment (optional)
See more
COSTA BALLENA · LIFEGUARDS
Black
Annual Supporter
$1,000 /yr
  • All blue and red benefits
  • 2 Black Stickers
  • Name or logo listed as supporter on the website (optional)
  • Invitation to annual appreciation gathering
  • Ability to direct funds toward specific needs
See more
COSTA BALLENA · LIFEGUARDS
Red
Annual Supporter
$500 /yr
  • All blue benefits
  • Red Sticker
  • Early access to events or updates
  • Optional recognition in social media (group recognition)
See more
COSTA BALLENA · LIFEGUARDS
Blue
Annual Supporter
$100 /yr
  • Blue Sticker
  • Quarterly update
  • Weekly lifeguard training
  • Name listed on annual donor board or website
See more
6,689+ Preventions
17 Rescues
0 On-duty drownings

Be part of saving lives

Your support keeps lifeguards on the beach and helps prevent tragedies.