22 Year Old American Tourist Dies In Cancun After Failed Beach Rescue

Last Updated 3 years ago

22-Year-Old American Tourist Died In A Private Clinic Despite Efforts To Revive Her

A 22-year-old American woman died in Cancun this week after efforts to save her from drowning failed. The woman was pronounced dead at a private clinic.

Reports are still forthcoming as to the exact cause of death, but according to most sources, the American was in Cancun for a Spring break trip with her boyfriend. She was swimming in the sea at around kilometer 16.5 on Kukulkan Avenue when she was met with problems in the water.

It is currently unclear if the red flag warning was on display on the beach at the time. A red flag means that the water conditions are dangerous and swimming is not advised.

The woman was taken out of the water not by lifeguards but by hotel workers from the nearest establishment. Resuscitation procedures and first aid were administered as soon as she left the water and she was taken to a private clinic for further treatment. However, she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The exact cause of death has been unconfirmed, although it is assumed drowning. This may be confirmed as details are made public.

The tragic death is the second high-profile case in a matter of weeks for Cancun. Just two weeks ago, a Paraguayan man disappeared after being seen going under the water during a red flag warning. His body has still not been recovered despite a large search.

Some reports were critical of the response to the American tourist’s problems in the water, although the outlets in question neglected to clarify where the shortcoming in responsibility was. As details do not make it clear if lifeguards were on duty at the time or what conditions were to be expected in the water at the time, any judgment of error must be reserved.

Regardless, Cancun will intend to double down on its safety protocols. The beaches in the area extended their operating hours for the first time in two years this week, marking an important return to normality. The extended hours are back to pre-pandemic schedules, just in time for the arrival of millions of visitors over the spring break and Easter period.

With so many tourists on the beach over the coming weeks, lifeguards will have to be on their highest level of alert to ensure no more problems occur leading to tragic events such as this one. The city is trying to capitalize on the progress it has made over the course of the pandemic, and must position itself as a safe destination going forward, and not just a convenient one.

Mexico’s relaxed stance in regards to COVID-19 allowed Cancun to skyrocket to the top of the world’s most sought after destinations, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Dubai and London. But now, as the rest of the planet opens its borders and begins to move past the pandemic, it faces the challenge of holding on to its newfound market.

One of the biggest issues it faces is projecting a safe image to potential tourists. Aside from the larger problem of organized crime, it’s faced some heavy scrutiny for some high-profile incidents. Last month, a couple was killed while scuba diving after another company’s boat drove through a prohibited area, ignoring safety protocols. At the beginning of the year, a horrific bus crash with the state’s main provider saw multiple deaths. A gas explosion at a local restaurant in Playa del Carmen killed three people and injured twenty-two weeks ago.

All of these types of incidents draw concern for many tourists who may usually go to Europe or the US for their trips. High health and safety levels set the standard for tourist destinations and could be the deciding factor for many holiday-goers.

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