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Officials in Cancun have begun to warn travelers about the importance of proper beach safety as the coastal destination heads into the high season.
With millions of travelers set to flock to the sun-soaked hotspot over the coming months, Cancun is deploying more lifeguards to watch over visitors.
The busy winter season sees some of the highest numbers of drownings and close calls on Cancun’s beaches, even as authorities continue to implement measures to make city shores safer for travelers.
As Cancun gears up for a record-breaking winter season, here’s what travelers should know about enjoying Cancun’s beaches safely.
Cancun Lifeguards Warn Travelers Over Higher Growing Risk During Holiday Period
Cancun’s white-sand beaches are one of the city’s biggest draws for travelers. Offering a unique opportunity to relax and unwind or to engage in fun outdoor activities, the city’s powdery shores are a highlight for millions of travelers.
And while officials have made significant strides in improving the condition and safety of beaches in Cancun, it’s ultimately up to travelers to follow certain rules and act responsibly.
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That’s why this week, Cancun’s lifeguards issued a call for travelers to exercise increased precaution when enjoying beaches in the sun-soaked hotspot this winter.
Experts from the city’s civil protection department have highlighted the importance of abiding by Cancun’s color-coded beach warning system, which indicates when swimming should be avoided.
In a recent media interview, Ricardo Moctezuma, a local Cancun lifeguard, said that the busy winter season sees a higher number of drownings and close calls, prompting growing concern among first responders.
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With travel numbers set to skyrocket in the coming months as temperatures drop in much of North America, Cancun has decided to deploy more lifeguards on public beaches to prevent drownings. This winter, lifeguards will be present on Cancun’s beaches from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
“There is an increase in drownings during vacation periods due to the high volume of visitors, which is why we have decided to expand our operating hours to protect travelers,” the lifeguard said in an interview.
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According to authorities, a significant number of travelers outright ignore basic safety protocols during the peak of the winter season, such as swimming during stormy weather. That’s why officials will redouble efforts to prevent such cases from occurring.
One of the most important things travelers can do before heading out for a swim is to check for a red or black flag around the access point of their beach, indicating highly dangerous sea conditions.
These Factors Are Linked To A Higher Chance Of Drownings
Cancun and partying go hand in hand, with many travelers enjoying alcoholic beverages when out and about. Aside from failing to abide by Cancun’s color-coded flag system, the excessive consumption of alcohol is known to increase the likelihood of drowning.
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And with cases of drowning expected to increase by up to 15% this winter, lifeguards are urging travelers to drink responsibly during their next Cancun getaway.
Cancun is also trending as a family-friendly resort hotspot, with many travelers choosing to spend long afternoons enjoying the city’s white-sand beaches. It’s important to keep an eye on younger travelers, as rip tides and strong waves may pose a risk to inexperienced swimmers.
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There are currently some 25 lifeguards on duty during the daytime in Cancun’s most popular beaches, including Deflines and Gaviota Azul. As the busy winter season approaches, officials will continue to implement more measures to enhance safety, although ultimately, travelers must also act responsibly.
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