From Dream to Structure: The Early Years
The idea didn’t come from thin air—it came from tragedy. Two drownings in the northern
stretches of Santa Teresa revealed an urgent need for a dedicated lifeguard presence.
Matías Etchenique, an Argentinian lifeguard with experience in both Argentina and California,
sparked the vision. Together with local surfers and community members, informal volunteer
watches began to take shape.
By 2015, weekend shifts were standard. Teams covered peak hours at key beaches, raising
red-and-yellow flags to mark safe zones. Lifeguard towers were installed at Playa Carmen,
Zeneidas, Casa Cecilia, Playa Hermosa, and Banana Beach. Hotels, restaurants, and residents
quickly united, providing donations, equipment, and volunteers.
While the Chamber of Tourism (Mal País/Santa Teresa) prepared an official Lifeguard Service
Plan, the community couldn’t wait for bureaucracy. Action came first—and safety followed.
“I truly believe that lifesaving saved and shaped my life. The profession of
lifeguarding is my passion, my heartbeat. I love it so much that if I were rich,
I would do it for free every day of my life.”
—Matías Etchenique, Founder of the Santa Teresa Lifeguard Program (2014)
In April 2014, The Dirt Road Newspaper offered me the front page to highlight our
volunteer lifeguard watch over Easter weekend and share my mission: to create a Volunteer
Lifeguard Service in Santa Teresa. That weekend, five certified lifeguards—Gabriele Santini,
Michelle Lehmann, Gianni Simel, James Clugston, and myself—stood guard from sunrise to sunset.
The surf was rough, the crowds were large, and the stakes were high. Thanks to community
supporters—including Casas del Soleil, Mal País ATV Rentals, Horizon, Flor Blanca, Cuesta Arriba,
El Pulpo, Casa Cecilia, Rocamar, and Villas Solar—we made it through safely.
That weekend became the spark that ignited the movement.
Growth and Today’s Program
Today, the Santa Teresa Lifeguard Program has evolved into a structured nonprofit with
trained volunteers, solid infrastructure, and international reach. The vision that began
as a community response has become a recognized ocean-safety institution.
What the Program Looks Like Today
-
Volunteer Program: Lifeguards from around the world serve in
exchange for accommodation and meals. -
Training & Certification: A rigorous 70-hour academy teaches
rescue techniques, first aid, CPR, and ocean safety. -
Infrastructure: Dedicated headquarters provide housing, a gym,
and a space for community events. -
Coverage: Lifeguard towers now operate daily across popular surf
zones like La Lora, Casa Cecilia, and Zeneidas, supported by flag warnings. -
Community Engagement: Beach cleanups, educational videos, and
social campaigns promote ocean safety and environmental stewardship. -
Global Participation: More than 60 lifeguards from the USA,
Argentina, Italy, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand, and beyond have served. -
Funding & Support: Donations, partnerships, and fundraising
efforts provide essential equipment such as towers, binoculars, and rescue boards.
A Call to Action: The Heart of the Mission
Looking back, that first volunteer weekend was just the beginning. What started as a
dream—born out of loss, compassion, and community action—has become a lifeline for all
who visit Santa Teresa. Lifeguarding is not just a profession; it is a calling. It is
presence, vigilance, and love for the ocean and the people who come to it.
We are proud to include archival articles from The Dirt Road Newspaper, capturing
the early years of this powerful movement.
To readers: support your lifeguards. Volunteer, donate, or simply learn
about the program. Every effort helps protect lives and strengthens a culture of ocean
safety that began as a dream on Santa Teresa’s shores—a dream that grows stronger every day.
Archival Newspaper PDFs
