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Drowning victim at Rockin J’s
Posted by Editor | July 24, 2008 | Categories: Accidents and Natural Disasters |
The tricky waves and currents of our local beaches have claimed another victim. Tony Nicolais, a 38-year-old DJ from Orland Park, Illinois, died Monday while snorkeling in choppy water on the beach near Rocking J’s, where he had been staying.
“It wasn’t (good) snorkeling conditions,” said Joseph John Korchmoros, owner of the Hotel. “There were waves, there was current. You would never go snorkeling in that condition. The visibility was maybe one or two feet.”
A neighbor alerted the hotel staff that something was wrong with a man in the water.
“Someone said there was a man floating strangely,” Korchmoros said. “Me and another guy ran out and tried to resuscitate him.”
The Red Cross of Talamanca and medics arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and also tried CPR to no avail.
“When the Red Cross reached him, there was nothing they could do,” said Melvin Marin of the Puerto Viejo police. “The guy was dead.”
He was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:32 p.m.
Some water safety tips:
• Ask locals or at your hotel about the conditions before getting in the water.
• Remember that other than the beach at Playa Cocles our beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards.
• Go with a buddy!
• If you get caught in a riptide or current that is taking you out, swim alongside the current and try and make your way in diagonally rather than fighting it head on. Whatever you do, don’t panic and exhaust yourself — if you can’t get in, stay calm and try and attract the attention of someone on shore.
Source: Tico Times: U.S. deejay dies on Caribbean beach
Comments
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Where are the lifeguards? Where are the warnings on the beach? I have researched the drowning disasters that is Costa Rica. This country has hidden the danger that is your beaches. 150 to 200
accidental drowning a year! This is a national disgrace. I vow to get the word out about Costa Rica’s unsafe waters. By the way, “that guy” was my son,one of the sweetest and loving son that a mother and father ever had, and we are crushed…
lifeguards? signs? very sorry for your loss but if you check drowning stats for the USA they are way above costa rica’s as a percentage. unfortunately many people think they are going to an amusement park when they travel to central america. it is wild and crazy nature out there, unlike anything here in the states. being well educated about where he was going and looking out at the waters he was going into could have saved his life. there is no one to take responsibility down there, no lawsuits, nothing. you fly your son’s body back home and that’s the end of it. maybe others will see this and think twice before going snorkeling in heavy waters.