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Cancun Officials Intensify Beach Safety To Protect Travelers This Winter

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The hectic Christmas period is the busiest time of the year for international travel in Cancun, with tens of thousands of travelers flocking to the sunny destination daily.

Most travelers will undoubtedly spend a significant amount of their vacation enjoying Cancun’s spectacular white-sand beaches and the Caribbean’s warm waters.

A lifeguard tower in a cancun beach with big waves

With so many people flocking to Cancun’s award-winning beaches, authorities have activated swimming safety protocols over the record-breaking holiday period. 

From deploying more lifeguards to reminding travelers about beach safety, officials want to ensure a safe experience for millions of visitors this December.

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Cancun vacation safety tips

♬ Beautiful – Soft boy

With that in mind, here’s the latest on Cancun’s beach safety measures this winter.

11 Beaches In Cancun To Have More Lifeguards During Busy Holidays

2023 has been a record-breaking year for Cancun’s travel industry as the coastal destination skyrockets in popularity with travelers.

And with the hectic holiday period in full swing, thousands of visitors are flocking to Cancun each day.

As the city’s award-winning beaches fill with sun-seeking travelers, authorities have activated special measures to protect swimmers and to avoid drownings and other perilous situations. 

@serpil.oezkan Beachlife Mexico 💀#soldier #mexican #cancun #safety #beach #viral #foryourpage #fyp #fyy #theburkans ♬ Me Gustas Tu – Manu Chao

While lifeguards are a common sight across beaches in Cancun’s resort zone, officials have decided to deploy even more first responders in anticipation of massive arrival figures.

There are currently 29 lifeguards on duty from morning until evening across 11 public beaches in Cancun, guaranteeing a high standard of safety for swimmers. 

Not only have authorities increased the number of on duty lifeguards, but they have also intensified proactive measures intended to prevent drownings. Although beaches in Cancun are widely regarded as some of the safest in Mexico, strong currents and rip tides can pose a risk to travelers.

@rstanley0 #fyp #safety #security #beach #cancun #mexico #drinking ♬ original sound – morganwallen

In a recent media interview, Antonio Riveroll, the head of Cancun’s civil protection agency, said that lifeguards will carry out regular visual inspections of swimming conditions.

Moreover, experts from the agency will measure the strength of currents and place color-coded flags to warn travelers of current water conditions. 

The official also added that more measures are currently in place across the most popular Cancun beaches, including LangostaTortugas, and Ballenas, among others.

@tpayne11 Watch the sun rise on the beach in Cancun, Mexico. #cancun #sunrise #mexico #relaxing #ocean #beach #waves #fyp ♬ original sound – T-Payne💋

Even though authorities have stepped up efforts to protect Cancun travelers this winter, visitors should also bear in mind that they are ultimately responsible for their safety.

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on weather conditions, avoiding going into the water during strong gusts of wind, rain, and lightning.

Travelers should also pay close attention to Cancun’s color-coded flag warning system, which gives swimmers an indication of current water conditions. 

@nicolepommehair Im this girl at the beach #saltyhair #beachwaves #cancunmexico ♬ Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift

green flag indicates safe swimming conditions, and travelers should exercise normal precautions. On the other hand, a yellow flag points to a higher safety risk due to strong wind or other conditions, and travelers should exercise increased caution, such as swimming closer to shore. Avoid going into the water during a red or black flag, during which conditions are dangerous.

Meanwhile, travelers booking a boat tour should also follow basic precautions. All passengers must wear lifejackets, which must be provided by the tour company. Moreover, travelers can only swim in designated areas and under the vigilance of a trained professional. 

@aaroshhh Didn’t realize just listening to the sound of waves was gonna be so relaxing. #fyp #cancun #beach #summer #waves #ocean ♬ Ko Haw Timi – Prashant ezekiel rai

And while Cancun’s beaches are generally safe for swimming, travelers should be cautious with pickpockets and other forms of petty crime, which remain widespread in the sunny destination, especially during the busy high season.

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