Cancun Travelers Urged To Respect Lifeguard Commands Amid Dangerous Conditions

Last Updated 1 year ago

The municipal President of Cancun, Ana Paty Peralta, recently oversaw a rescue drill by the local lifeguards on Playa Marlin to mark the World Day for the Prevention of Drowning.

Safety is a huge priority for the local authorities in Cancun, and while this mostly takes the form of safety on land from criminal activity, water safety is no less important, especially considering how many travelers are exposed to the power of the sea while on vacation here.

Respect The Lifeguards

First and foremost, travelers should know that the single greatest way to ensure their and their family’s safety is to heed the warnings and advice from lifeguards.

Cancun has a dedicated and highly professional lifeguard service that operates year-round—forming the frontline rescue service for any swimmer that gets into difficulty in the water.

It can be frustrating for travelers to reach this beautiful destination and to be told that today’s conditions aren’t safe for swimming, especially when the water looks relatively calm.

But, the lifeguards here know these waters and are highly experienced in what does and doesn’t make for safe conditions in the destination.

So, regardless of a traveler’s swimming level, everyone is urged to take the lifeguard’s commands and advice seriously and to respect the water around this paradise-like destination.

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Are Conditions Normally Safe?

The vast majority of beaches around Cancun, and the Mexican Caribbean for that matter, are rated as safe for swimming.

But that only tells part of the story; there isn’t a single beach in the world that is 100% safe for swimming at all times.

The sea is an unpredictable force of nature, and conditions can change on a dime, even when the weather by the coast is calm and sunny.

Additionally, the summer season in Cancun is when conditions can take a turn for the worse in this destination, as this is also hurricane season in the Caribbean.

A hurricane or tropical storm 1000 miles from shore doesn’t need to get close to the destination to affect swimming conditions.

The change in conditions at sea radiates all the way to shore, similar to dropping a pebble in a lake and watching the ripples push outwards; high winds and stormy conditions can push heavy swells and dangerous currents onto the Cancun shoreline.

No Lifeguard? Check The Flags

While Cancun has a large number of lifeguards, there are areas that may not be covered or may be too far away from a lifeguard post to be reliably protected.

In these areas, travelers are urged to respect the beach flag system in place around Cancun. These flags are changed regularly to reflect the current conditions and are an important indication to travelers.

The beach flags travelers will see in Cancun, and their meanings are as follows:

• Green flag – Safe swimming conditions.
• Yellow flag – Use caution when swimming.
• Red flag – Dangerous conditions, swimming not advised.
• Black flag – Swimming is prohibited, danger to life.

If conditions look relatively calm, but a red/black flag is being flown, do not assume that the flag is outdated. There is always the chance of hidden dangers, such as undercurrents or even dangerous wildlife in the area.

What To Do When Conditions Aren’t Good

Good conditions for swimming in Cancun aren’t guaranteed, although the destination has far more good days than bad.

So, when conditions do take a turn for the worst, travelers may need to find alternative activities for that day. Thankfully, this fantastic destination is a lot more than just a beach destination.

Cancun may be a new city, but it is surrounded by the history of the Maya civilization. Visiting the awe-inspiring ruins at Chichen Itza is a must while here, but the ruins at Tulum are equally as interesting, and just a few hours’ journey south.

Also, it can’t be recommended enough that travelers experience the food outside of their resort. This country is world-famous for its amazing dishes, and the food found at Cancun’s many markets and street corners is not to be missed!

As well as history and delicious food, Cancun has so many adventurous activities for travelers to stave off boredom. From ATV jungle tours and ziplining to swimming in magical cenotes, there’s no reason bad conditions at the water should rain on a traveler’s parade.

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