Is it safe to swim in the ocean?
Costa Rica's beaches are beautiful, and many have strong rip currents. How to choose where to swim, and what to do if you are caught in one.
This is the one safety topic we ask every traveler to take seriously. Many of Costa Rica's beaches have strong rip currents, often on calm, sunny days when the water looks perfect, and most beaches have no lifeguard.
Before you go in:
- Ask your hotel about the beach that day. They know where it is safe to swim and where it is not.
- Swim where there is a lifeguard whenever you can, and follow any flags or signs.
- Never swim alone, after drinking, or at night.
- Never let children into the water on their own.
If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm. It pulls you out, not under. Do not try to swim straight back against it: swim parallel to the shore until you feel the pull let go, then angle back to the beach. If you cannot, float, face the shore and wave or shout for help.
Rivers and waterfalls deserve the same respect, especially in the green season, when the water can rise quickly after rain upstream.
More from the US State Department, including its beach safety section: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/costa-rica.html
And from NOAA, the US weather service, on rip currents: https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent