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The crystal clear Mexican Caribbean waters along the Cancun coast are generally pretty calm, but conditions can change quickly.
This is why it’s important to practice beach safety on every trip to the beach, as Cancun tourists are being warned to do following an increase in accidents on certain beaches.
Additionally, Cancun will be reinforcing security on beaches due to these recent incidents.
An Increase In Lifeguards And Other Safety Personnel To Protect Beachgoers
Cancun has numerous beaches that are visited by millions of people every year, which means that quite a few lifeguards are required to watch over them.
At the start of spring break, it was just recently announced that more lifeguards and other security personnel would be hired.
Now, Cancun is again increasing that number due to the drowning of two people on March 10th at Playa Gaviota Azul.
Cancun plans to employ a total of 40 lifeguards, in addition to getting support from other organizations.
Safest Time To Visit Cancun’s Beaches
The best time to visit any beach is when there is a lifeguard present.
On Cancun’s beaches, the lifeguards are usually on duty between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Because the most recent incidents took place later in the evening, though, officials are currently discussing an extension of that on-duty time.
Beaches With Dangerous Conditions
Where a beach is situated on the coast can play a huge role in what kind of conditions it’s prone to.
Beaches that are set back in a cove-like location tend to be a bit calmer, but any beach can exhibit dangerous conditions at any time because waves and currents can be unpredictable.
Currently, the most dangerous beach conditions in Cancun are at Playa Gaviota Azul, Playa Marlín, and Playa Delfines.
Practicing Beach Safety
You can’t change a beach’s conditions, but there are safety measures that you can take to make your beach experience safer.
Swimming in front of a lifeguard, not swimming out too far, and staying out of the water when you’re tired or have been drinking are all actions that could save your life.
More importantly, though, is avoiding beaches with dangerous conditions altogether, and you can do that by looking out for beach warning flags.
Beach Warning Flags – An Important Indicator
If you have ever been to a beach vacation destination you have probably seen beach warning flags very similar to what you will find in Cancun.
The different colored flags are used to indicate the conditions at a beach at any given time.
- If you see a yellow flag it means that you should swim with caution.
- A black or red flag indicates that the water is not safe for swimming.
- A white flag means that dangerous marine life could be present.
- A green flag means that you can safely enter the water.
So Many Beaches, How Do You Choose?
Cancun has many beautiful beaches that are great for sunbathing and long walks on the beach anytime.
If your purpose is to swim in the mesmerizing aqua-blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean, though, you should let the flag be the deciding factor regarding the beach you choose.
Otherwise, all of Cancun’s beaches are beautiful.
Where To Cool Off When You Want To Skip The Beach
Although rare, during certain weather conditions and phenomena, you might find all of Cancun’s beaches with yellow, red, or black flags, but you have another option for cooling off on a hot day.
There are hundreds of cenotes throughout the region.
These naturally formed swimming holes offer the perfect alternative to the beach if you want to skip it for a day.
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