Lifeguard Team Captain

~ by Nate Bright

ALVARO CEDEÑO OBANDO

How old are you? How many children do you have? I'm 30 years old and have 3 children.

What beaches do you work at? I rotate between the beaches in our program: Playas Dominical, Hermosa and Ventanas. 

How long have you been a lifeguard? I worked for 6 years with the Dominical Lifeguards and now more than 3 years with the Guardavidas Costa Ballena Lifeguards program.

What's your favorite part of the job? I like the challenge of aquatic or medical emergencies. Water rescues are dangerous for lifeguards, but I enjoy the excitement! 

Lifeguard Team Captain - Osa, Uvita, Costa Ballena, Dominical

What is the most amazing thing experienced at work? A rescue of 6 people on Playa Hermosa where I had to use all of my experience as a jet ski driver to help those people in very big waves. 

What is the most important safety tip for people at the beach? Ask the lifeguards or other locals about the ocean conditions before getting in the water.

How many people have you rescued? I believe that more than 100 people are alive thanks to our initiative. 

What type of equipment/clothing does the lifeguard program need most? ATV, Jet Ski and a defibrillator. 

What trainings or courses are coming up? Water rescue with the Coast Guard in Quepos.

As the captain, how do you keep the other lifeguards motivated? This is a bit difficult during the green season. I have the boys concentrate on physical fitness and training. We offer a free fitness class to the public every Wednesday in Dominical - we love it when people join us! 

What is the #1 quality you look for in a new lifeguard?  Courage and someone who does not give up easily. 

What do wish for the future of the Lifeguards Costa Ballena? We need government funding and support. A national program with certification and benefits for the lifeguards. 

I want young people to see being a lifeguard as a good career choice that saves lives.

INFO: Nate Bright – Guardavidas COSTA BALLENA Lifeguards - https://www.facebook.com/GuardavidasCostaBallena/

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