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While calm waters with crystal clear blue-green hues might seem like the norm for the Mexican Caribbean, it’s not always the case.
Just like any other sea, the Caribbean can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous, and current conditions led to a tragic drowning this past Monday.
Now Cancun tourists are being reminded to take extreme precautions on the beaches that have warning flags.
Cancun’s Beach Warning Flag System
Flags of different colors are used to indicate the conditions at the beach where they are posted.
These flags can be changed throughout the day at the discretion of lifeguards who, in addition to protecting beachgoers, also monitor the conditions of the sea as well.
The water is the safest when there is a green flag, but visitors should always practice water safety when at the beach.
@c1ui_o #cancunmexico ♬ Paris – Else
Flags Used To Warn Of Dangerous Conditions
In addition to the green flag, which tells visitors that water conditions are safe, there are three flags that warn of dangerous conditions.
A yellow flag indicates that beachgoers should exercise extreme caution when entering the water.
A red flag means that the water is off-limits and not safe for swimming, but visitors can still enjoy the beach.
And a black flag, which is the most important, symbolizes that the beach is completely closed, to swimmers and visitors in general.
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@adelina_david Danger- swimming prohibited…. 🚩 #CapCut #swimming #ocean #capcutapp #mexico #mexico🇲🇽 #swimmingprohibited #largewaves #waves #noswimming #swim #cancunmexico #cancun #lovehim #fishy #humanmermaid #trend #viral #dontdie #anxiety #saltywater #riptide #riptides #foru #foryoupage #bf #travelingcouple #couples #vacation #beach #beachday #tiktokbeach #redflag #beachtok🌤🌊🌴 #dumbwaystodye #danger #risks #risky #swimmer #swimmingproblems ♬ original sound – Adelina David
Dangerous Conditions To Watch Out For
All kinds of dangers can lurk in the sea, but there are two specifically that these beach flags are used to warn of.
The first is usually visible and easy to recognize, which is the presence of large, strong waves that can knock swimmers off of their feet unexpectedly.
The second is more of a hidden danger, and as a result, the most dangerous of all, and that is underwater rip currents that can carry swimmers out to sea.
@aventurasbarce Cancun July 31st, 2023 #playa #beach #cancun #waves –#clearbluewater #cancun#cancun2023 #mexico #mexicosummer #teachervacation ♬ original sound – aventurasbarce
Beach Safety Tips
There won’t always be a beach flag to warn of dangerous conditions, and even if there is, the sea is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s good to keep a few safety tips in mind.
One is to always swim where there is a lifeguard present.
The second is to remain close to the shore when swimming on any beach in Cancun.
And finally, if you do get caught in a rip current, don’t panic; swim parallel to the shore until you break away from the current.
@toptraveltips2003 Cancun vacation safety tips
♬ Beautiful – Soft boy
So Many Cancun Beaches To Choose From
Cancun doesn’t just have one beach to visit, but numerous different beaches, each a bit unique in its own way.
Some are right in the Hotel Zone and mostly packed with tourists staying in that area, while others are busier on weekends and typically frequented by locals.
Then there are also a few beaches that are rarely packed at all and are perfect for a relaxing beach day, though these beaches are often without a lifeguard, so that is something to keep in mind.
Best Cancun Beaches For Swimming
Any Cancun beach is a good beach, but some are more popular among beachgoers than others. Some of the best beaches for tourists to visit include:
- Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach)
- Playa Tortugas (Turtle Beach)
- Playa Gaviota Azul (Blue Seagull Beach)
- Playa Langosta (Lobster Beach)
- Playa Caracol (Snail Beach)
@fave_vee THE beach to visit! #cancun #mexico🇲🇽 #mexicobeach #playadelfines #playa ♬ Moscow Mule – Bad Bunny
How To Spend Your Time In Cancun When You Can’t Hit The Beach
When the beaches are too dangerous for swimming, there is still plenty to do in Cancun.
Visitors can get their swimming fix at one of the area’s cenotes or spend the day exploring attractions on land, like Mayan Ruins or one of the many adventure parks.
And there is always your resort pool to cool off in when the beaches are flagged for dangerous conditions.
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