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Daniel Monge daniel.monge@crhoy.com March 30, 2024, 11:01 am THE CAUSE OF THE BOAT'S SINKING IS STILL UNCLEAR. THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 26 AQUATIC ACCIDENTS HAVE BEEN ATTENDED DURING HOLY WEEK. PHOTO: (Courtesy of CRC) A boat with three people sank on the morning of Friday, March 29, in Lake Arenal, specifically in the Río Piedras area. The Costa Rican Red Cross (CRC) received the alert through the 9-1-1 emergency system, one of the individuals managed to get out of the water on their own. This morning, Gabriela Jiménez, operation commander, confirmed that the body of another affected individual was found. During this Saturday, March 30, the search continues for the missing person. In the area, 25 members of the Red Cross and five units remain. It is still unclear what could have caused the sinking of the boat, nor have the identities of those affected been disclosed. The institution reported, at 9:00 a.m. this Saturday, that it has attended to 26 aquatic accidents so far during Holy Week. Source: https://www.crhoy.com/nacionales/lago-arenal-hallan-cuerpo-tras-accidente-acuatico/

agosto 31, 2023 So far in 2023, Costa Rica has reported over 80 deaths due to aquatic accidents, a number that is close to matching the total from the previous year, according to the Costa Rican Red Cross. In total, authorities transported 39 people in critical condition due to these types of accidents and found 83 individuals deceased at the scene. The most recent reported aquatic accident occurred in Santo Domingo de Heredia on Wednesday afternoon, involving four minors, one of whom died. Cristian Quesada, Regional Operational Coordinator of the Red Cross, detailed the incident that took place in Heredia on Wednesday, August 30, of this year. Authorities urge not to enter deep water areas if unfamiliar with the location or how to swim, to prevent such accidents, and to call the emergency system 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.

This year, deaths from aquatic accidents doubled compared to 2023. Holy Week in 2024 concluded as one of the most violent in recent years. According to the Red Cross, 55 people died at the incident sites. "Comparing this number of deaths with the same period in 2023, there are 15 more fatalities, a truly alarming figure," stated Mauricio Mendoza, regional operational coordinator. The main causes of death were: Traffic accidents Assaults with firearms and knives Aquatic accidents "This year, aquatic accidents doubled in comparison to 2023. In total, 10 people died from this cause, and we managed to rescue 13 patients who were transferred to a medical center," Mendoza indicated. Announcements "While traffic accidents in the previous year were 8, in 2024 there have been 13 fatalities. This operation has been one of the strongest, with a deployment of personnel throughout the country and significant logistics," mentioned Mendoza. San José, followed by Puntarenas and Alajuela, were the regions with the highest number of people attended to without signs of life. According to the esteemed organization, 7,611 people required assistance from the rescuers. Aquatic accidents resulted in twice as many fatalities this year compared to 2023. 13 people were rescued. (Courtesy of Red Cross) Transfers Of the more than 7,000 people who required the services of the Red Cross, 309 were transferred to a medical center, of which: 66 were in critical condition 164 people were in urgent condition 79 were in stable condition "Unfortunately, we do see that among the deceased there are many young people, hence the call for people to maintain good practices on roads, at beaches, and rivers. Be cautious, as well as with children," highlighted Mendoza. The Red Cross deployed more than 130 emergency vehicles, 400 Red Cross workers, and 120 stations in mountains, roads, rivers, and beaches.

Yaslin Cabezas yaslin.cabezas@crhoy.com January 1, 2023, 2:19 pm 01-01-2023 Call for prevention for those still on vacation. (CRHoy.com) The year 2022 ended with 118 people dying due to aquatic accidents, including in rivers and beaches, which is 10 more than what was reported during 2021. This information comes from statistics provided on January 1 by the Costa Rican Red Cross, which is conducting operations to prevent more deaths from this cause. "It's important to remind the public that during 2022, there were 875 responses to aquatic accidents, resulting in 118 deaths from the same cause. Therefore, please make sure to visit safely and take the necessary measures recommended to avoid further issues," stated Jim Batres, the operational deputy manager of the entity. The month with the most aquatic deaths was August, with a total of 16 cases, followed by April and May with 13 cases each, and November, with 12: January: 10 February: 4 March: 9 April: 13 May: 13 June: 5 July: 7 August: 16 September: 9 October: 9 November: 12 December: 11 The official stressed the importance of maintaining preventive measures, especially since many people are still on vacation. "The Costa Rican Red Cross begins the year by reinforcing the message of prevention, a large part of the population is still on holiday at the start of the year. Therefore, from our institution, we appeal to everyone's sense of responsibility to follow the recommendations provided by us and various authorities," he added. Batres mentioned that they would continue with various posts at different points in the country. "The institution will be present at the most visited tourist spots, until the weekend of February 4 and 5, 2023, reinforcing more than 25 posts around the country with over 114 resources such as advanced support, rescue, basic support, and even aquatic vehicles, totaling more than 200 people as reinforcement in all Auxiliary Committees distributed throughout the country," Source: https://www.crhoy.com/nacionales/accidentes-acuaticos-cobraron-118-vidas-en-2022/

Date: 3-5-2024 The Costa Rican Red Cross has revealed alarming figures regarding aquatic accidents in the country during the early months of the year; of the 368 individuals attended in various aquatic emergencies, 50 were declared deceased at the scene of the accident. This number of fatalities, although slightly lower, continues in line with the statistics from the same period last year, when 51 deaths were accounted for. Given this situation, Red Cross lifeguard Luis Rojas has intensified calls for caution and referred to the incidents. Red Cross Lifeguard, Luis Rojas. Rojas also provided specific advice for dealing with a rip current at the beaches. Red Cross Lifeguard, Luis Rojas. The Esteemed continues its efforts not only in emergency response but also in training and education about the risks associated with aquatic activities.

by Alejandro Arley, February 15, 2024 A lifeguard who experienced a difficult situation on a beach calls for increased prevention for those on vacation. The number of deaths from aquatic accidents has been on the rise. According to data from the Costa Rican Red Cross, there were 108 cases in 2021, 118 in 2022, and 132 deaths registered in 2023. So far in 2024, there have already been 19 deaths due to aquatic accidents, which averages nearly three cases per week. In a discussion with Noticias Columbia, Esteban Fonseca from the Specialized Aquatic Search and Rescue Unit of the Red Cross shared a challenging experience he had about 15 years ago at Quepos beach, long before becoming a lifeguard, which prompted him to make a significant decision. "Part of the reason I joined the Unit was because during a family outing, I had to rescue someone. Thankfully, everything turned out well, but I felt utterly unprepared. I thought, 'My God, what's happening? Is someone going to have to get this person out? I look around, and nobody moved, and I thought, 'Oh my God, it's going to be me,'" he recounted. "I've always been a swimmer, but pulling someone out is not easy at all. Especially in the sea, my experience has been that a rip current can hit at any moment. Many times you go on vacation, you don't know the beach, a current comes, and in a matter of seconds, someone can be swept away," he added. Listen to the full interview here: Fonseca recommends avoiding unnecessary risks when going to the beach, pools, or rivers. "Precaution starts with oneself. Many times we go to a pool or a river, and people, without thinking, without knowing the area, jump straight into the water. I believe a lot of this caution comes from one's own behavior," he said. "It's also very important to recognize our limitations. Some people arrive and say: 'I'm an excellent swimmer; I swim every day in a pool,' but obviously, it's not the same as swimming in the sea or a river," he highlighted. One of the main recommendations to avoid accidents is to familiarize oneself with the area before starting to swim or play in the water. Additionally, he reminded that children should always be under supervision. Given the increase in the number of fatalities and people experiencing emergencies in the water, the Red Cross and the Fire Department launched a preventive campaign. The most recent severe aquatic accident occurred this Wednesday at Playa Hermosa de Jacó. Two elderly adults were swept away by the tide, and one of them died. Source: https://columbia.co.cr/cifra-de-muertes-por-accidentes-acuaticos-preocupa-a-la-cruz-roja/

Yaslin Cabezasyaslin.cabezas@crhoy.comJanuary 2, 2021, 5:16 pm 2020 ended with the tragic loss of 96 individuals due to aquatic accidents across the country, a decrease from the 121 reported in 2019. February saw the highest number of deaths, totaling 17, with December following closely with 16. Jim Batres, Director of Risk Management and Emergency Care at the Red Cross, mentioned a partnership with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) to establish lifeguard stations at popular beaches including Manzanillo, Ventanas, Cocles, Tamarindo, Marino Ballena National Park, and Manuel Antonio. In 2020, these stations enabled 46,236 swimmer precautions, 184 effective rescues, and 35,204 notices of beach restrictions as per health authority guidelines. Batres emphasized the importance of responsible visitation and behavior while enjoying these locations, especially in terms of water safety after eating or consuming substances that could impair awareness, as well as vigilance over children and the elderly. Recommendations Be cautious as sea conditions can change. Rivers and lakes also have currents that can be dangerous. Never swim alone. Be extra cautious if you cannot swim. Wait at least 2 hours after consuming food or drinks before entering the water. Look for signs, flags, or markers indicating sea conditions. Avoid surfing or using a jet ski if you can't swim. Always be alert when traveling with children or the elderly. Do not enter the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Opt for safe swimming areas. Additionally, if you're not trained in first aid, lack swimming proficiency or physical condition, it's advisable not to attempt rescuing someone in distress. Source: https://www.crhoy.com/nacionales/accidentes-acuaticos-cobraron-96-vidas-en-2020/