Published on Tuesday, December 23, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Red Cross has launched its annual Safe Holidays campaign to respond to emergencies linked to a surge in tourism during the holiday season.


This year’s holiday period runs from Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, 2025, through New Year’s Day on Jan. 1, 2026. Throughout that time, most government agencies and many private businesses grant extended holiday breaks, as required by law, allowing employees time off and contributing to increased domestic travel.


The Red Cross said its nationwide surveillance and emergency response operation began Dec. 22 and will continue through Feb. 2, 2026. During that period, the organization will establish outposts in high-traffic tourist areas, including rivers, beaches and mountainous regions.

 

Base camps will operate 24 hours a day and be staffed by rescuers, paramedics and trained volunteers. Teams are prepared to respond to a wide range of incidents, including traffic accidents, intoxication cases, water-related emergencies and reports of missing persons.

The operation includes 1,000 paramedics and volunteers, 500 emergency and rescue vehicles, 200 roadside assistance stations, 130 beach lifeguard bases and 200 mobile units deployed nationwide, officials said.

To reduce the risk of accidents while on vacation, Red Cross officials urged tourists to follow basic safety guidelines, including:

• Ensure proper equipment is used for adventure activities such as surfing, swimming and trekking.

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.

• Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws before driving.

• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Never leave children unattended.

According to Red Cross data, paramedics responded to more than 500,000 emergencies during the holiday season between December 2024 and January 2025.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Public Security launched its Safe Holidays Police Operation, a nationwide security initiative aimed at increasing patrols and surveillance during the holiday season.

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What steps should tourists take to stay safe while on vacation? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com