Puntarenas, Costa Rica—The current pulled the swimmer away from the shore before lifeguards could react. A strong riptide had formed near the rocky breakwater early Friday. Other surfers in the water saw the struggle and called for help. A rescue boat was dispatched immediately. They searched the area for forty-five minutes before spotting the victim.

Paramedics worked on the victim for several minutes on the sand. They were unable to restore a pulse. The victim was a tourist visiting the area for the weekend. Local officials have since posted red flags along the entire beach to warn other visitors. High tide is expected to persist throughout the night, making conditions dangerous.

The Costa Rica Safety Board has opened a file on the incident. They are checking if the appropriate hazard warnings were clearly displayed. Lifeguards are concerned about the unusual strength of the currents today. They have requested more patrols for the remainder of the holiday. The beach remains open, but swimming is strictly forbidden.

Family members of the deceased have been contacted by the local embassy. They arrived at the scene shortly after the recovery. The coroner is conducting a standard examination to confirm the cause of death. No other swimmers were reported missing. The rescue boat has returned to its dock.

Conditions are expected to remain volatile until the weekend ends. Patrols will stay on the beach until sunset. Local surf schools have canceled all lessons as a precaution. There is no timeline for when the beach will be declared safe again.