Published on Tuesday, December 17, 2024
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Red Cross has launched its Safe Holidays strategy to respond to emergencies associated with the increasing number of tourists over the holiday season.


This year's holiday season spans from Christmas Eve on December 24, 2024, to New Year's Day on January 1, 2025.  During the week, practically all governmental organizations and the majority of commercial enterprises provide extensive holiday breaks to comply with the law and benefit their employees.


The volunteer group announced that the surveillance effort will begin on December 21 and finish on February 2; they will set up Red Cross outposts in popular tourist destinations such as rivers, beaches and mountains.


Base camps will be staffed 24/7 by rescuers, paramedics, and volunteers. They are equipped to cope with a wide range of emergencies, including traffic accidents, intoxicated people, water-related incidents, and missing people among others.


The operation consists of 1,000 paramedics and volunteers, 500 emergency and rescue vehicles, 200 roadside stations, 130 beach lifeguard bases, and 200 mobile bases around the nation, they said

To avoid emergencies while on vacation, officials recommend tourists take safety measures including:

• Make sure you're equipped for adventurous sports like surfing, swimming, and trekking, among others.

• Always apply sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of 50 or higher.

• To prevent getting trapped in any circumstance when driving, become familiar with the local road rules.

• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Never leave kids alone.

According to Red Cross figures, paramedics attended to more than 500,000 emergencies in 2023.

Recently, the Ministry of Public Security announced an increase in police officers on highways during the holidays to improve surveillance of popular tourist attractions and border checkpoints.

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