Why lifeguards weren’t on duty when Disney Channel star Malcolm-Jamal Warner tragically drowned

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who starred on The Cosby Show, was tragically announced to have passed away aged 54 after an accidental drowning at Playa Grande beach.

His death was officially ruled as asphyxia, with Us Weekly confirming that the Costa Rican Red Cross was alerted to an incident on Sunday 20th July at 2:10pm, with three ambulances being dispatched.

During the time of his drowning, lifeguards were not present at Playa Grande, and the Caribbean Guard have since released a statement explaining why.

They shared on Facebook: “We deeply regret the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner at Playa Grande. He was swept away by a strong rip current and died by drowning.

“t all happened very quickly, and although there were people on the beach who entered the water to rescue him, they did not arrive in time.

“He was pulled from underwater without vital signs, and despite CPR maneuvers being performed on the beach, resuscitation was unsuccessful.”

They added that Playa Grande is a “challenging beach” and that there are multiple sins in both English and Spanish “warning of the danger of death due to drowning.”

The Caribbean Guard have patrolled there “over the past few years” but claimed they were “not present” when Malcolm-Jamal Warner tragically drowned.

The statement continued: “Due to recent aquatic incidents in Playa Negra, we had redirected resources there and to Chiquita, another iconic beach known for its strong currents.

“From Caribbean Guard, a volunteer lifeguard association, we make an urgent appeal to the President of the Nation, the national government, the Municipality of Talamanca, and the entire Caribbean community to continue joining forces to minimize this problem, which, sadly, is on the rise ACROSS THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.”

The statement alleged: “We do everything within our reach. We have saved numerous lives in recent years, and if Caribbean Guard didn’t exist, the number of drownings would be counted in dozens.

“We give everything we have to minimize the risks, but without help from the government, clear public policies, and strong support from local business owners, this will continue to happen.”

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