Crisis Management Plan
Beyond Brilliant Photography Retreat – Costa Rica

Traveling to Costa Rica is generally very safe, especially in well-traveled areas and with organized groups like ours. Like any international destination, there are a few things to be mindful of, mainly minor health risks (like mosquito bites or food sensitivity), petty theft in tourist areas, and adjusting to a different environment.

With a little preparation and awareness, your trip will be smooth, enriching, and unforgettable. Costa Rica is a warm, welcoming country full of beauty—and we're here to make sure you experience it safely and joyfully.

PREPARATION & PREVENTION
1. Pre-Trip Documentation
Please have:
• Passport (with expiration check- You must have at least 6 more months left on your passport to enter the country)
• Emergency contact info with medical conditions, allergies, medications available on both your phone and printed in your wallet, purse, or backpack.
• Travel insurance information (with emergency evacuation included). Travel insurance must be secured prior to arrival.
• Up-to-date vaccinations (There are no additional vaccines required for travel to Costa Rica)
• Signed Assumption of Risk/Liability Waiver Form - this is required and must be received prior to arrival to participate. These forms will be sent separately through email and will require a legal signature through a DocuSign system.

2. Pre-Arrival preparedness -
• Please be sure to check https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/ for all travel advisories so you can make informed decisions about your travel plans.
• Local laws and customs- please familiarize yourself with local laws and customs, when in doubt ASK before you proceed.
• Travel safety tips:
  Water Safety
• Tap Water: In most urban and tourist areas (like Jaco, San José, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio), tap water is safe to drink. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are in remote regions, stick to bottled or filtered water. The retreat center water is potable and has a multilevel filtration system so you can safely drink from the tap, Additionally the water in the dining hall is processed with additional Reverse Osmosis Filtration.
• Ice: Usually safe in hotels and restaurants but avoid ice from street vendors unless you're sure it's purified.
• Hydration: Costa Rica is hot and humid—carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty throughout the day.

  Food Safety
• Street Food: Much of it is delicious and safe, but go where locals line up. Avoid food that’s been sitting out or looks undercooked.
• Fresh Produce: Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water. Peeling fruit yourself is safest.
• Seafood: Opt for seafood in coastal areas where it is freshest. If it smells off, skip it. As of April 15, 2025 shellfish detected paralytic marine toxins, a serious type of toxin that can lead to shellfish poisoning. Eating contaminated shellfish can cause serious health problems, including digestive or neurological symptoms, and in rare cases, death.
• Travelers' Diarrhea: Bring probiotics or activated charcoal and consider a basic anti-diarrheal like Imodium just in case. Starting probiotics two weeks before travel will greatly reduce your risk of traveler’s diarrhea wherever you travel.

Wildlife & Environmental Awareness
• Do Not Touch or Feed Wildlife: It disrupts ecosystems and can attract aggression.
• insects: Insect repellent with DEET is highly recommended for mosquitoes.
• Marine Life: Be cautious of jellyfish and sea urchins when swimming. Don’t touch coral or wildlife in tide pools.
• Environmental Awareness: Please look for and be aware of posted signs for dangerous plants, trees, wildlife, rip tides and other environmental conditions. Additionally, please be aware that you are in a new environment that is unlike yours at home, do not touch/ handle plants and the like that you are not certain of.

Petty Theft Prevention
• Leaving the Retreat Center: The area is generally safe, however we recommend that you travel with a partner and be aware of your surroundings.
• Pickpocketing: Common in touristy areas. Wear a crossbody bag and keep it zipped and in front of you.
• Beach Theft: Never leave belongings unattended on the beach. Bring a waterproof pouch or use a dry bag that you can tuck away. Keep an eye on your designated area at the beach.
• Retreat Center Safes: The retreat center is very safe, however there are safes located in your room for you to place your valuables in for your piece of mind and additional safety.
• ATM Safety: Use machines inside banks or well-lit stores. Shield your PIN and be aware of your surroundings. you can avoid having to use ATMs by bringing some cash with you. All places will take US Dollars.

3. On-Site Safety
• Please Review:
• Evacuation routes
• Emergency contact numbers
• Location of first aid kits
• Local clinic: Jaco Urgent Care https://jacourgentcare.com, +506 2100-1516, Monkey Plaza, Jaco, Garabito, Puntarenas
• Behavior policy: No street drugs or THC vapes are allowed. Alcohol is permitted in moderation—unruly behavior will result in removal from the retreat. There’s no curfew, but please return quietly to respect others. This is a learning retreat; participation in classes is expected, so plan outside activities accordingly.

RISK CATEGORIES & RESPONSE
All Emergencies will follow the proper orders as listed:

1. Medical Emergency
• On-site first aid administered immediately.
If needed:
• Retreat team transports guest to nearest hospital/clinic - if needed
• Call 911 (Costa Rica emergency hotline).
• Notify emergency contact & U.S. embassy if hospitalization occurs.
• Log full incident report.

2. Natural Disaster (earthquake, hurricane, flood)
• Follow the location’s established evacuation plan.
• Retreat leader to keep local radio on or follow real-time news.
• Use WhatsApp messaging to keep all attendees updated- your WhatsApp group will be established prior to arrival and will be used throughout the retreat, so please be sure to download the app prior to arrival.
• Move to designated safe area if necessary.
• Contact local authorities and embassy if evacuation or shelter is required.

3. Lost Participant
• Immediate team search- by retreat leaders and staff, students must stay in place.
• Notify local police if not found within 1 hour.
• Share photo and description.
• Contact embassy if 12+ hours missing.

4. Crime or Assault
• Ensure participant is safe and supported.
• Contact local police immediately: 911
• Accompany guest to file report (if they choose).
• Provide access to counseling or support.
• Contact embassy if theft involves passport or there's personal danger.

5. Mental Health or Emotional Breakdown
• Provide private support space.
• Contact mental health professional (local or virtual).
• Adjust schedule if needed for guest care.
• In extreme cases, coordinate with insurance for early departure support.

III. COMMUNICATION PLAN
• WhatsApp group for attendees and staff (used for real-time updates).
• Emergency chain of command:
• 1st: Retreat Director - Jessica McKnight
• 2nd: Lead Assistant - Brittany Anderson
• 3rd: Local Host/Guide - Sean McDonald
• If the point of contact changes before or at anytime during the retreat, you will be notified within the WhatsApp group.

CRISIS ESCALATION CONTACT LIST
  Costa Rica National Emergency Hotline
• 911 – Central line for police, ambulance, and fire
  U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica
• Embassy Name: U.S. Embassy San José
• Location: Calle 98 Vía 104, Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
• Phone (from U.S.): +1-301-985-8841
• Phone (in Costa Rica): +506-2519-2000
• After-Hours Emergency: +506-2519-2000, then press “0”
• Email: ACSSanJose@state.gov
• Website: https://cr.usembassy.gov/
  Recommended Hospital:
• Hospital CIMA San José
• Phone: +506-2208-1000
• Location: San Rafael, Escazú
• English-speaking staff, international insurance accepted
• Vida Asana Retreat Center Location and Information:
Calle Hermosa 1 km East - Playa Hermosa
Puntarenas - Garabito - Jaco 61101
Phone: CR +506-8681-7751 US +1-267-379-1392
  Recommended Urgent Care:
Jaco Urgent Care https://jacourgentcare.com,
 +506 2100-1516, Monkey Plaza, Jaco, Garabito, Puntarenas

INCIDENT REPORTING
For every incident we will:
• Fill out internal Incident Report Form
• Include time, date, persons involved, witnesses, actions taken
• Retain for insurance and legal purposes

POST-CRISIS SUPPORT
• Provide on-site or virtual counseling
• Offer debrief session for attendees
• Follow up with affected individuals 7–14 days later
• Evaluate what can be improved and update crisis plan accordingly