The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) in conjunction with the International Surfing Association (ISA) granted Costa Rica the International License that makes it one of three countries in the world to be certified and authorized to offer training in Aquatic Rescues; this training will be taught by surf and stand-up-paddle (SUP) instructors certified as lifeguards and trained in water rescues.

Costa Rican lifeguard Marvin Pérez, who is currently the chief lifeguard at Jacó beach was the first to obtain the license that will allow him to train surf and SUP instructors in Aquatic Rescue through the Water Safety Courses.

The other two lifeguards currently certified are Jamo Borthwick from Australia and Alessandro Dini from Italy. Although all three certified instructors will be sharing their knowledge and preparing other instructors in their respective countries, they are authorized to teach in any other country that requires their service

“Personally, I am very happy to have achieved this, it is a big opportunity for our county as well”, said Pérez to Costa Rica’s Surf Federation. “The mission of ISA and ILS is to prepare surfers in the area of rescue. If we involve our surfers in this program the beaches are going to be much safer. This is a course that is directed to surfers, a person who spends a lot of time in the ocean”, he continued.

The first Water Safety Courses in Costa Rica are already set for the following dates this year: May 10, August 16 and December 04 all in Jacó Beach, Puntarenas.

Surf and SUP Coaching courses are also taught in Costa Rica by certified ISA instructors , information on dates and locations can be found in the following page isasurf.org/development-programs/coaching-instructing/course-schedule/