Lifeguards absent at ‘dangerous’ Costa Rican beach where Malcolm-Jamal Warner tragically drowned
Saloni Jha | Jul 22, 2025, 10:32 IST
Highlight of the story: Malcolm-Jamal Warner has died at age 54 after drowning at Playa Grande, Costa Rica, a beach known for its dangerous rip currents. Lifeguards admitted they were not on duty due to limited resources. The tragedy has sparked urgent appeals for stronger beach safety measures across the country.
Beloved actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner has tragically passed away at the age of 54 following an accidental drowning at Playa Grande in Cahuita, Limón, Costa Rica. The actor was reportedly pulled underwater by a powerful rip current on Sunday, July 20. Despite the efforts of beachgoers who attempted a rescue and performed CPR, Warner could not be revived.
According to the Caribbean Guard, a volunteer lifeguard association, there were no trained personnel present on the beach at the time of the incident. They attributed their absence to resource shortages and claimed their limited team had been redirected to other beaches considered high-risk at the time.
The association expressed deep regret over Warner’s passing, acknowledging that Playa Grande is known for its unpredictable waters and warning signs are clearly posted in English and Spanish. In their official statement, they stressed that without increased governmental support and public safety policy reform, such tragedies will likely continue.
Warner’s body has been transferred to the Forensic Medicine Unit for an autopsy. Preliminary findings from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department suggest the actor had entered the sea and was quickly swept away by the current.
The Caribbean Guard used this moment to call for immediate action from President Rodrigo Chaves Robles and local government bodies. They argued that their work, though vital, cannot continue without significant support. They warned that the frequency of drownings is rising across the country.
Warner had been vacationing in Costa Rica since July 13. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities have not been publicly disclosed.
Lifeguards absent at dang
Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner swept away by rip current amid lifeguard absence
According to the Caribbean Guard, a volunteer lifeguard association, there were no trained personnel present on the beach at the time of the incident. They attributed their absence to resource shortages and claimed their limited team had been redirected to other beaches considered high-risk at the time.
Lifeguards absent at dang
No lifeguards on site at time of incident
The association expressed deep regret over Warner’s passing, acknowledging that Playa Grande is known for its unpredictable waters and warning signs are clearly posted in English and Spanish. In their official statement, they stressed that without increased governmental support and public safety policy reform, such tragedies will likely continue.
Emergency services respond when Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowned
Lifeguards absent at dang
Warner’s body has been transferred to the Forensic Medicine Unit for an autopsy. Preliminary findings from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department suggest the actor had entered the sea and was quickly swept away by the current.
The Caribbean Guard used this moment to call for immediate action from President Rodrigo Chaves Robles and local government bodies. They argued that their work, though vital, cannot continue without significant support. They warned that the frequency of drownings is rising across the country.
Warner had been vacationing in Costa Rica since July 13. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities have not been publicly disclosed.