Happy Dolphins DR and the German Embassy promote aquatic safety in Samaná

In an initiative that seeks to transform aquatic safety on Dominican beaches, Happy Dolphins DR, in collaboration with the German Embassy in Santo Domingo, has launched the first lifeguarding course on the beach of El Valle, Samaná, as part of a cycle of three trainings that will be implemented in several coastal communities, with the objective of training more than 100 young people as internationally certified lifeguards over the next six months. This course is part of a cycle of three trainings that will be implemented in various coastal communities, with the objective of training more than 100 young people as lifeguards with international certification in the next six months.

Objectives of the “Saving Lives” project

Called “Saving Lives”, this micro-project has as its mission the training of young people in different tourist locations, including Bayahibe, La Altagracia, and Sosúa-Cabarete in Puerto Plata. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and the Tortugas del Futuro Foundation, which have provided essential logistical support for the implementation of the program.

The main goal is to train 70 young people in the area of lifeguarding, which not only seeks to reduce aquatic accidents on beaches and spas, but also to improve the safety of tourist destinations, thus increasing the confidence of visitors. It is also expected that this training will generate decent employment opportunities for young people in the region.

Creating environmental connections

Patricia Hiraldo, director and founder of Happy Dolphins DR, explained that the project not only focuses on safety, but also seeks to foster a link between communities and the ocean. “Our goal is to reduce aquatic accidents by training young people in the most touristic regions of the country, strengthening the safety of the destinations and providing job opportunities,” said Hiraldo.

Since its creation in 2014, Happy Dolphins DR has been committed to physical wellness through aquatic activities and raising awareness about respect for the environment. To date, they have trained more than 100 lifeguards and first aid technicians in the provinces of Puerto Plata and Samaná, who currently provide their services at various beaches and hotels in the region.

Despite efforts, the situation in the Dominican Republic is worrisome: eight out of ten people do not know how to swim, which increases the risk of drowning and accidents in coastal areas, especially in tourist destinations such as Sosúa, Cabarete, and Punta Cana, where the influx of national and international tourists is significant. This problem is especially serious in tourist destinations such as Sosúa, Cabarete, and Punta Cana, where the influx of national and international tourists is significant. Hiraldo stressed the urgency of expanding these initiatives, highlighting the lack of job opportunities for young people in these areas. “Lifeguard training will not only save lives, but will also provide a pathway to professional development for many young people who would otherwise have few alternatives in their communities,” he added.

Project expansion

The “Saving Lives” project does not stop in El Valle. In 2024, Happy Dolphins DR plans to expand its program to new tourist destinations such as Samana and Punta Cana, while continuing to strengthen the communities of Sosua and Cabarete. With the collaboration of both local and international institutions, this program is positioned as a training model that seeks not only to improve beach safety, but also to provide young people with the opportunity to develop as trainers and lifeguards. The German Embassy, the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, and the Tortugas del Futuro Foundation have been key partners in this mission, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the public, private and community sectors to achieve a significant impact in coastal areas.

A safer and more sustainable future

With the success of the first course in El Valle, Samaná, Happy Dolphins DR reaffirms its commitment to creating safer and more sustainable tourist destinations, while strengthening the social and economic fabric of coastal communities in the Dominican Republic. This project not only promises to save lives, but also stands as a beacon of hope for young people in search of opportunities in a safe and responsible environment. The training of new lifeguards and swimming coaches represents an important step towards a future where respect for the environment and the safety of all are the norm on the beaches of the Dominican Republic.