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Costa Rica warns tourists to take precautions on boat trips



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Published on Wednesday, January 15, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff





The Coast Guard is urging tourists to prioritize safety during boat trips as the country’s peak tourism season runs from December to June. 


Authorities have issued the following safety guidelines to help prevent accidents on rivers, lakes, and seas.


Tourists and boat owners are advised to ensure all boats are equipped with adequate life jackets corresponding to the approved passenger capacity.


Life jackets must be visible, easily accessible, undamaged, and properly fitted. Children should wear age-appropriate life jackets, not those designed for adults. 


Each boat must also carry at least one lifebuoy and rope in case a passenger accidentally falls overboard. 


Passengers are encouraged to verify that the boat has a valid navigation certificate, a document confirming the vessel has passed its annual technical inspection. “This document guarantees that the ship complies with all safety and navigation requirements as prescribed by law,” the Coast Guard said in a statement. 


Authorities recommend avoiding nighttime sailing unless the boat is equipped for such conditions and canceling trips during bad weather.




 


Additionally, tourists should confirm that the boat has a fire extinguisher on board and avoid leaning on the guardrails to prevent accidental falls. 



Both crew members and passengers are urged to abstain from alcohol before and during the trip. Alcohol consumption impairs judgment, vision, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents. Passengers who suspect a crew member is under the influence of alcohol should report it immediately by calling 911 and avoid boarding the vessel. 



When using personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis or water scooters, all riders must wear life jackets. Operating a personal watercraft is prohibited for individuals under 16 in Costa Rica. 



“These recommendations are intended to reduce risks and ensure passenger safety in an emergency,authorities noted. 



Tourism is a vital sector of Costa Rica’s economy. As of July 2024, over 1.7 million tourists arrived by air, marking a 13.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.



The country set a tourism record in 2023, welcoming more than 2.4 million visitors.



The Costa Rica Coast Guard operates under the Ministry of Public Security, overseeing maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement. 



 

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What additional safety measures do you think tourists should take while traveling by boat? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com



  


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