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Typically, in many beach vacation destinations, when the weather starts heating up, safety officials will start warning about the hidden dangers that lurk both in and out of the water.
In the Mexican Caribbean, though, one of the busiest times for its beaches is during the winter months, so safety operations on the beaches are increased.
This is why it’s no surprise that Playa del Carmen is increasing lifeguards by 100 percent ahead of high season to keep tourists safe.
Read on to learn more about the operation and how to stay safe on Playa del Carmen’s busy beaches.
More Lifeguards On Playa Del Carmen’s Beaches
Playa del Carmen is increasing the number of lifeguards that will be deployed on the destination’s beaches.
Prior to the increase, there were 10 lifeguards divided between the destination’s nine beaches.
That number will increase to 20 through the busy season.
That’s a 100 percent increase in the number of lifeguards that will be monitoring the beaches to ensure the safety of tourists.
Lifeguards For Longer
Additionally, lifeguards will be on the beaches for extended hours during high season.
Though there was no mention of what those hours would be, the typical day is 9 to 5.
In the past, when they have extended hours during busier times, they’ve extended the day to 6:00 pm, so it will likely be a similar situation.
What Lifeguards Are Watching Out For
Lifeguards on the beaches in Playa del Carmen are watching for several things when they are flooded with tourists during the busy season.
As usual, they are there to help in the case of an emergency, but they are also trying to prevent one.
One of the ways they do that is by monitoring the crowds to keep an eye out for anyone entering the water that may have consumed too much alcohol.
They’re also there to post warning flags if necessary.
Understanding Playa Del Carmen’s Beach Warning Flag System
Playa del Carmen, like other Mexican Caribbean vacation destinations, uses a beach flag warning system to alert beachgoers of current conditions.
There are five different flags you’ll want to remember.
The flags and their meanings are:
- Black – Beach is closed to visitors.
- Red – Swimming is prohibited.
- Yellow – Swimmers warned to use caution.
- Green – Beach is safe for swimming.
- White – Dangerous marine life may be present.
Safety Tips For Visiting Playa Del Carmen’s Beaches
For the most part, the water at Playa del Carmen’s beaches is pretty calm, but changes in weather can make them less safe at times.
This is why the most important beach safety tip is to look for those beach warning flags.
It’s also highly advised that you swim within range of a lifeguard and avoid swimming while under the influence of alcohol.
The Guadalupe Reyes Operation
The increase in the number of lifeguards that will be monitoring the beaches in Playa del Carmen is part of an operation called Guadalupe Reyes.
It’s an operation that takes place year after year during the month of December.
The deployment of around 1,000 military troops is also part of the operation.
Why There’s A Need For Increased Safety Operations In The Winter
Not only do more tourists require more personnel to keep everyone safe, but an increase in the frequency of large events during the holiday season as well.
Playa del Carmen is a pretty safe destination, but more security is necessary during this time of year.
Year after year, the operation is pretty successful at keeping visitors safe in Playa del Carmen.
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