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Cancun Adding More Lifeguards To Protect Tourists During Summer Season

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Officials have decided to increase the number of lifeguards across Cancun’s public beaches in anticipation of a record-breaking summer season.

The move is part of a broader strategy to protect travelers during the hectic summer months, which see millions of visitors arriving in the Mexican Caribbean.

A lifeguard tower on a public beach in Cancun

And with Cancun’s sweltering summer heat, the city’s beaches are the main draw for the lion’s share of travelers.

Here’s the latest on beach safety measures in Cancun as the busy summer season slowly kicks off.

armed guards walking on a Cancun beach to protect travelers

Up To 40 Lifeguards To Watch Over Sun-Seeking Travelers This Summer 

Cancun is home to numerous popular attractions, but above all, it’s a city that is known for its white-sand beaches, many of which are some of the best in Mexico. 

And with so many powdery shores for travelers to enjoy, beach and swimming safety are some of the most pressing issues for officials each year. While rare, drownings and other close calls do occur, and although the coastline is mostly shallow, rip currents and waves can pose a risk to travelers unfamiliar with basic swimming precautions.

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That’s why officials recently announced the decision to deploy more lifeguards to 11 public beaches across Cancun – mostly in the hotel zone – as the summer season officially kicks off. In addition to that, authorities have also extended the opening hours of Cancun’s lifeguard and first aid services, with many travelers preferring to enjoy city beaches during the cooler hours of the evening.

There are currently 28 publicly-employed lifeguards on Cancun’s beaches, but this number is set to jump to 40 as new lifeguards join the ranks. Six additional lifeguards are being deployed by the city’s firefighting department, and several are set to join from the Navy. 

lifeguard watches beach in tulum

Travelers staying at one of the dozens of resorts that dot Cancun’s hotel zone can also receive an extra layer of security, with many properties having their own lifeguards to protect guests. Even though Cancun has several top-rated public beaches, many of the city’s resorts own private beaches which are mainly intended for guests staying there. 

The decision was announced by the head of Cancun’s Civil Protection services, Antiono de Jesús Ribbon. In a press conference held earlier this week, the official added that first aid services expect a significant increase in emergency incidents this summer as Cancun continues to top the charts as one of the world’s leading beach destinations. 

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Although Cancun usually sees an average of between two to four incidents involving injury or close calls on its public beaches each week, this number is projected to climb to eight or nine weekly cases this summer. 

A stretch of all inclusive resorts in Cancun with beach

Officials have extended the working hours of lifeguards across Cancun’s public beaches. This summer, they’ll be on duty from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., coinciding with the most popular time to enjoy Cancun’s beaches. Despite the recent decision, travelers are still urged to follow these basic tips on their next Mexican Caribbean beach trip.

Cancun’s decision to ramp up beach safety is just one of many measures by local and state officials this summer to protect sun-seeking travelers. The Mexican Caribbean recently launched a new security operation across several resort hotspots – including Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and of course, Cancun.

Lifeguard Station on a Beach in Cancun, Mexico

With the Mexican Caribbean trending as one of the most popular resort hotspots worldwide, authorities are determined to ensure smooth sailing for millions of travelers this summer. The recently-launched security campaign encompasses everything from petty crime to beach safety and much more.

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