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The coastal hotspot of Playa del Carmen is set to receive a major boost in beach safety with the construction of up to nine new lifeguard lookout towers this year.
With soaring arrival figures, Playa del Carmen is once again expected to be one of the hottest destinations for sun-seeking travelers in the Mexican Caribbean in 2024.
Home to countless white-sand beaches, the destination is particularly popular with those seeking a retreat close to the sea.
As Playa del Carmen officials continue to intensify efforts to bolster safety, here’s a look at the latest announcement to improve beach security.
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New Lifeguard Towers Announced For Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is once again proving to be one of the most popular beach destinations south of Cancun, with resorts across the vibrant city selling out this winter.
Amid the city’s skyrocketing popularity, officials have redoubled efforts to shore up beach safety.
Although the Mexican Caribbean hotspot is one of the safest in the region, the high volume of beachgoers it attracts means that incidents like drownings, petty crime, and jellyfish stings can occur from time to time.
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That’s why this week, Playa del Carmen authorities unveiled the decision to construct up to nine new lifeguard towers this year to improve safety for millions of annual visitors. The move is intended to reinforce the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
The decision to construct the new watchtowers was approved last year, and at a cost of over 5 million pesos, represents a hefty investment for the coastal destination. But for a city that values safety above all else, the measure is just one of many carried out by civil protection experts to prevent injuries and, in extreme cases, deaths.
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According to the secretary for Playa del Carmen’s civil protection department, both travelers and residents have been surprised by the poor condition of the city’s existing watchtowers, prompting concern over swimming safety.
And although Playa del Carmen officials regularly deploy additional reinforcements during peak travel times, even more can be done to improve safety.
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Under the current plan, between six to nine lifeguard towers will be erected across the city’s main beaches, including along the main downtown avenues. The new towers will provide coverage for up to 13 kilometers of white-sand beaches, assuring maximum safety for thousands of daily beachgoers.
There are currently around thirty lifeguards deployed across beaches in Playa del Carmen, who will soon be able to watch over travelers. The measures to construct more towers is part of a wider effort to enhance beach safety in the popular destination.
In 2023, new investments were made in purchasing state-of-the-art life-saving equipment, including first aid kits and other technical resources.
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Follow These Tips To Stay Safe In Playa del Carmen
Despite new measures to guarantee the safety of travelers in Playa del Carmen, visitors are still urged to swim responsibly.
One of the most important things travelers can do is to take note of the color-coded flag warning system used across the Mexican Caribbean.
Consisting of a 4-level scale, from green to black, it warns travelers of current swimming conditions. While a green and yellow flag indicates safe to moderate conditions, respectively, a red or black flag indicates dangerous circumstances, such as strong waves or wind.
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Meanwhile, travelers should opt for popular public beaches, such as Playa del Carmen or Playa Esmeralda, which have lifeguards during busy times of the day.
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