A total of 141 lifeguards across Los Cabos completed an Aquatic Rescue Seminar on June 4, earning official certificates endorsed by the Baja California Sur Undersecretariat of Civil Protection (Subsecretaría de Protección Civil). The training was led by instructors from the San Diego-based Surf Lifesaving Association of the South, a nonprofit that has been sending trainers to Los Cabos for more than 20 years.
The seminar covered rescue board and fin techniques, safe ocean entry during high surf, and protocols for handling unconscious victims. Participants included hotel staff, marine recreation business employees, firefighters, and emergency responders from both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
A Two-Decade Partnership With San Diego Trainers
Commander Juan Carbajal Figueroa of the Cabo San Lucas Fire Department called the seminar a longstanding annual tradition. He said the course focused on prevention and fast reaction when a swimmer is in danger.
The Surf Lifesaving Association of the South has trained well over 2,000 firefighters, medics, Red Cross personnel, naval officers, ZOFEMAT (Federal Maritime Land Zone) workers, and hotel security staff in Los Cabos over the years. The organization has also donated rescue equipment, including two wave runners fitted with rescue sleds, to the Cabo San Lucas Fire Department.
Both the Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo fire departments now operate aquatic safety divisions and run junior lifeguard programs built from this training partnership.
Why It Matters on Pacific-Side Beaches
Many Los Cabos beaches carry national and international safety certifications, but drowning risk remains a serious concern. The Pacific-facing coastline between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is known for powerful shore break, strong currents, and sudden swells that can catch swimmers off guard. Beaches like Playa Solmar and portions of the Tourist Corridor are often marked with red flags warning against swimming.
San José del Cabo firefighters also launched a preventive aquatic education program in May, aimed at children and young people. That program covers warning flag systems, sea conditions, mar de fondo (long-period ocean swells), pool safety, and rainy-season precautions.
The Cerritos surf beach near Todos Santos, north of Cabo San Lucas, also has volunteer lifeguards trained and equipped through the Surf Lifesaving Association of the South’s program.
This story was first reported by the Gringo Gazette.