The Cocles Lifeguard program had a – ₡ 24.127 deficit balance as of June 5-2011.

Today a crisis notice will be given to all the donor businesses that support the program to contribute to a special donation drive to keep the program in operation.

If the money can be raised to create a reserve surplus the program will continue operating.

Without the reserve surplus the program will be forced to suspend the prevention and rescue services for the month of July. Thereafter collecting July donations without paying the ₡682.000 in salaries for July will allow the program to resume in August and finish out the year.

Not only will we be risking someone´s life but this “layoff” is a slap in the face for our well trained and highly responsible lifeguards left without any income.

The program runs about ₡ 75.000 short each month. Anyone interested in helping Eddie Ryan at La Costa De Papito Bungalows (Tel 8811-3448 email: costadepapito@gmail.com) organize a benefit event or to solicit other businesses to contribute monthly to this noble community endeavor please contact him. If the program is suspended, any ideas on how we can offer temporary employment to our lifeguards would be welcome.

The Cocles lifeguards returned to work on Monday June 28 after the suspension of the program on May 12 for lack of funds. Because of the contributions collected in May and June the program will kick off with a positive balance of about ₡ 500,000.

Financially we were ready to start again on June 14 but the lifeguards had taken temporary  employment and their commitments did not permit their return until June 28.

When the program is suspended our loyal, responsible lifeguards are left without any income. We run the risk of losing them permanently with another layoff.

Que Paso Caribe bimonthly magazine is organizing a benefit at Mango Sunset bar for mid July. They will be raffling a $400 mountain bike as well as other prizes. Please stay tuned for details.

A benefit was held on Jan 31 to benefit the lifeguard program.

The Musicians played for free. People donated services for the raffles and the bar kicked in ₡1.000 on each drink. When all was sung and done, ₡223.000 was raised and donated to the program.

Muchos thank you’s to the musicians Jim Vick and Stephen from Big Mix, Jim McDougal, Jay and Las Rayas, Liam, John Wheatley, Plan B, Kristy y Erick. Surf Rentals donated a Scooter rental to the raffle, Molly a belly dance class, Pam a massage, Reef Runners a diving excursion, Asiah a tantric massage, Chelsea and Erica Jewelry. Thanks to La Isla Inn, ATEC, Ivon’s café, the Boca Shuttle and apologies and applause for those who are not mentioned here because this is second hand information. Special thanks to Andrew from Chile Rojo for hosting the event.