Ciudad Nya’s Crystal Lagoon became the setting for a specialized underwater rescue training, supporting an initiative dedicated to raising public safety standards across Costa Rica.
The waters of Ciudad Nya’s Crystal Lagoon recently became the backdrop for an extraordinary event. Far beyond its role as a recreational destination, the lagoon welcomed a team of specialized rescuers from across Costa Rica who gathered to strengthen their expertise in Public Safety Diving—a discipline dedicated to protecting those who devote their lives to saving others.
The initiative brought together members of the Costa Rican Red Cross from the Limón and Heredia branches, who traveled to Guanacaste to participate in a specialized training program designed to expand their knowledge and refine the techniques they rely on during real-world underwater rescue operations.
More Than Diving, Preparing to Respond
Every training session is an opportunity to respond with greater confidence when emergencies demand it.
The program began with classroom instruction covering safety protocols, operational procedures, communication techniques, and the proper use of the specialized equipment required for these missions. Every detail is part of a comprehensive preparation process designed to ensure precise decision-making in environments where conditions are often unpredictable and extremely challenging.
Unlike recreational diving, Public Safety Diving prepares rescuers to operate in environments where visibility is virtually nonexistent, including rivers, open waters, and areas affected by strong currents. In these situations, seamless coordination between surface support teams and divers underwater is essential to ensuring the safety and success of the entire operation.
Technology in the Service of Those Who Serve
Innovation also means providing the right tools to operate more safely and efficiently.
Before entering the water, the team used specialized technology to scan the lagoon floor, identifying underwater terrain features and potential obstacles beneath the surface. This preliminary assessment allows rescue teams to plan each operation with greater accuracy while minimizing risks before a search even begins.
Participants then carried out a full recovery simulation using a rescue training mannequin, recreating the conditions they may encounter during a real emergency. Throughout the exercise, they applied search procedures, communication protocols, and coordinated teamwork, putting their technical skills to the test in a highly realistic scenario.
A Partnership with Purpose
When organizations come together around a shared mission, the impact extends far beyond a single training exercise.
The program is part of an initiative led by Vital Técnico Costa Rica to introduce internationally recognized Public Safety Diving standards throughout the country, strengthening the preparedness of the professionals who put themselves at risk every day to help others.
As Carlos Santos, Emergency Medical Technician and founder of the program, explains, the goal is to equip rescuers with better tools and procedures that prioritize not only the recovery of missing persons, but also the safety of every responder involved in these critical missions.
For Ciudad Nya, providing this space reflects a commitment to supporting initiatives that create meaningful value for the community. By opening its doors to this training, the lagoon became an ideal environment where specialists from across the country could continue developing the skills that help save lives.
A Vision That Goes Beyond Development
Every experience at Ciudad Nya reflects the purpose behind the community’s continued growth.
Beyond offering a destination centered on wellness, recreation, and a connection with nature, the Crystal Lagoon has also proven to be a place where learning, innovation, and collaboration can thrive.
Because building a community also means creating spaces that inspire, connect, and enrich people’s lives. In this case, that purpose took on an even greater meaning by supporting the preparation of the men and women who, through their commitment and dedication to service, bring answers and hope to Costa Rican families during life’s most difficult moments.
It means creating spaces where knowledge, collaboration, and a shared commitment to others can continue to grow.
English 
Spanish