Beaches are without a doubt one of the major reasons most people visit nations like Costa Rica, where the coast offers lots of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and let the kids run about.
Regardless of whether you have children or not, many people overlook the fact that beaches are different all across the globe. While visiting some local historical sites, and flora and fauna are high on your list, it is the beaches that keep drawing most visitors.
Numerous incidents occur on beaches for several causes, but the most common one is because people involved did not follow the local beach safety guidelines.
It requires some basic awareness of the various threats to be safe at the beach, and like with everything, it’s always preferable to be proactive than to depend on lifeguards. We should also be aware of the hazards of becoming burnt or robbed, which are not limited to the sea. I strongly advise you to read the following before booking your vacation at that Costa Rican beachfront resort, particularly if you intend on bringing your children.
Here are some beach safety precautions for Costa Rica.
Beach Safety in General
First and foremost, there are certain basic safety guidelines that can be applied to every beach on the globe. These laws are in place to safeguard individuals who do go swimming or surfing, rather than to restrict their enjoyment or limit their liberties. Aside from the individual’s safety, numerous individuals drown each year while performing rescues, therefore avoiding the need for rescue might save your life and the life of someone else.
If you don’t know how to swim, don’t do it.
Most people today are taught how to swim, but if you weren’t, it’s not difficult to learn. We don’t know how the currents or wave breaks in other nations vary from what we’re accustomed to, so it’s not a good idea to attempt to learn on your own in an unfamiliar environment. If you have a swimming partner, you may learn with them; alternatively, you might be able to locate a swim teacher or a surf instructor who will teach you.
Never Go Swimming by Yourself
Even if you’re traveling alone, it’s a good idea to let the staff or other guests at your Costa Rican beachfront resort (or wherever you’re staying) know that you’ll be leaving. Swimming alone may not seem to be hazardous, but the ocean is a wonderfully unpredictable environment, and it only takes a moment of attention to be whisked away by a current.
Stick to what you’re good at.
If you want to test your swimming or surfing skills in Costa Rica, you should go in a group or at the very least do it on a beach with lots of lifeguards. Otherwise, staying within your comfort zone is a good idea, since overextending oneself may lead to injury and worse.
Beach Safety in Costa Rica
As previously noted, particular risks exist in various locations. Costa Rica’s beaches are all regarded to be quite safe, and they provide opportunities to surf and swim. However, there are a few things to think about.
Costa Rica’s wildlife is prospering as a result of the recent increase in eco-tourism. So much so that beach signage warning of sharks or crocodiles should always be taken with a grain of salt. Bull and Tiger Sharks have been seen in the area, and there is even evidence that Great White Sharks may utilize the shore as a hunting site. There are other small dangers to be aware of, such as Sting Rays, therefore shuffle your feet while strolling on the beach.
Sticking to the more prominent tourist beaches, or even in front of your own Costa Rican beachfront resort, is the simplest way to avoid harmful species.
Some beaches do not have lifeguards.
If you go exploring, you will come across several gorgeous beaches, and although swimming may be tempting, you should stay at the beaches with lifeguards unless you are extremely experienced and with other people. Travelling with children? Keep an extra eye on your little ones on Costa Rica’s beaches.
With such a focus on tourism, Costa Rica has gotten safer in recent years as a result of infrastructural improvements, therefore swimming at any beach with lifeguards should be considered safe.
If you’re going to swim, don’t drink anything.
Near most beaches, like with any tourist area, you’ll find a spot to buy a cheap drink, or perhaps a cocktail. When it may be tempting to jump in the water after an afternoon of sunbathing and drinking, swimming while inebriated is never a good idea.
Keep your possessions safe.
Finally, Costa Rica, like other tourist places, has a plethora of opportunists who would gladly rid you of whatever belongings you don’t conceal or defend from them. It’s never a good idea to leave your valuables on the beach while going for a swim.