The Government of President Nayib Bukele continues prioritizing the well-being and safety of Salvadorans and international visitors with the launch of CardioSafe Beaches at Surf City 1. This Thursday, at El Tunco Beach in La Libertad Costa, the first automated external defibrillator (AED) was officially installed to provide rapid assistance in cases of cardiorespiratory arrest.
Ezequiel Luján, coordinator of Surf City’s Water Safety program, explained the importance of this milestone: “Since we started working with Surf City, we’ve raised the standards of our beaches with stronger lifeguard services. This device will save lives if someone suffers cardiac arrest, loses consciousness, or has no vital signs. The AED includes a QR code, an instructional video, and step-by-step guidance for immediate use.”
Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez stressed that the initiative responds to community and business requests in the area: “We’re adding value and addressing the needs expressed by business owners at Playa El Tunco and the local communities. Ensuring aquatic safety also means being prepared for emergencies, which is why we’re providing nationwide training across the coastal marine area.”
Director of Civil Protection, Luis Alonso Amaya, highlighted the life-saving potential of the project: “Providing cardiorespiratory assistance with a defibrillator significantly increases the chances of giving someone a second chance at life.”
The installation at El Tunco is the first of several planned AEDs for the Surf City tourism corridor, with future placements at Sunset Park, Punta Roca Beach, and El Zonte. This marks a major step in making El Salvador’s beaches safer, aligning with the government’s vision of modern, world-class coastal destinations.
With CardioSafe Beaches, El Salvador strengthens its international image as a safe and innovative tourist destination, ensuring that families, surfers, and visitors can enjoy the coastline with greater confidence.