LifeGuard Training Graduation

Friday afternoon was the graduation ceremony for 11 local young people from Esterillos Oeste to Bejuco and our very own Brett Schroeder who is young at heart.  The event was well attended at our local school, not only by the officials who lead and participate in this program but many parents and residents.

To become a certified LifeGuard for Costa Rica, one must attend, participate and pass all tests under the direction of the Coast Guard.  According to one of the participants this is very much like boot camp.  The program requires strict obedience to the rules.  One is taught how to become physically fit to properly serve, and techniques that may be required to save a person who is drowning or having other difficulties on the beach.

Yesterday, almost 24 hours later, Brett was on the beach here in EO when he saw a young tico couple, caught in a rip current, "fighting" in the water.  He ran to get the floating device used to rescue potential drowning victims.  He told me even as he was running he couldn't believe they were actually drowning but within seconds he was very aware how real this was.  He told me how the adrenaline kicked in and he was able to swim faster than ever.  When he reached the couple he quickly made an assessment as to who need help first.  A local surfer was in the water who was also coming to the rescue.  Brett told him to help the man who's arms were wildly thrashing, as he knew the victim would immediately grab onto the board.  He told me the girl was already under the water but within moments he was able to grab her and bring her to the surface.

I last saw Brett last night at his place about 8:30 pm.  He was on skype with his brother telling him about the events of the day.  I believe, even as he was telling him what happened - Brett was still a bit in shock about the fact he had actually saved a life.

In the over 6 years I have lived here in EO I have either been in the presence or very aware of many drownings.   When you hear a siren coming into town - you just know.  People come here totally unaware of how powerful the ocean is and in just one split second, things can change in a heart beat.

The graduation of this small group of 11 is monumental on a number of level.  First and most important is the hope and possibility that the number of problems on our beaches will go significantly down.  The lives of these 11 are now forever changed.  They are the hope and example for the future and hopefully an inspiration for other young people to take this challenge.

Pura Vida