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Playa Del Carmen Tourists Urged To Follow Beach Safety Warnings 

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The Mexican Caribbean is known for its typically calm aqua-blue waters, but as with any beach vacation destination, sometimes dangers lurk below the surface.   

A couple of recent rescues on one of Playa del Carmen’s popular beaches, due to strong waves and rip currents is a stark reminder of that.   

Because these dangers are not always recognizable, Playa del Carmen tourists are urged to follow beach safety warnings.   

Playa del Carmen's Fundadores Beach

Current Conditions On Playa Del Carmen’s Fundadores Beach 

Fundadores Beach, where the two recent rescues of tourists took place, has recently been affected by a cold front moving in.   

This has caused rip currents underneath the surface that are not noticeable to the swimmer’s eye standing on the beach.   

The deceptive conditions put swimmers at risk, which is why it is important to pay attention to the beach warning flags.   

@ketzaldronecancun PLAYA DEL CARMEN – Parque Fundadores #playadelcarmen #mexico #5taavenida #drone #mini2 #dji #paradise ♬ Be Free – MVRE & Alex Sombo

Beach Safety Warning Flags – What They Mean 

The four most important beach warning flags are the ones that warn of current beach conditions.   

These flags are green, yellow, red, and black and will be posted somewhere on the beach, typically at the lifeguard stations and/or on poles placed on the beach.   

The warnings for each flag are: 

  • Green – The beach and the water are safe for beachgoers.  
  • Yellow – Swimmers should exercise caution when in the water. 
  • Red – Beachgoers are prohibited from entering the water.   
  • Black – The beach is completely closed to visitors. 
@periodismoobjetivo El mar turquesa de Playa del Carmen luce espectacular #playadelcarmen #playashermosas #sinsargazo #turquesa #sea #vacation #traveler #playafundadores #zofematsolidaridad ♬ Azul – J Balvin

Taking The Yellow Caution Flag Seriously 

Although the yellow flag warning does not prohibit swimmers from entering the water, it’s important to take it seriously.   

If officials are telling beachgoers to use caution, it means that dangerous conditions can exist, as was the case with the swimmers that were recently rescued at Fundadores Beach.   

At the time there was a yellow flag warning posted.   

@mireille_russo The Caribbean Sea after a rainy night. #rain #sea #storm #caribbeansea #lifeinthecaribbean #bigwaves #waves #swell #naturalliving #playadelcarmen #playacar #playa #beach #plaja #mare #θάλασσα #besimplebenature ♬ original sound – MireilleRusso BeSimpleBeNature

Playa Del Carmen’s Best Beaches 

Playa del Carmen has many stunning beaches to enjoy, but a couple in particular stand out.   

The beach in front of Parque Fundadores is one of the most popular, due to its location at the end of the famous 5th Avenue, but it’s busy and lacking in beach clubs.   

For those looking for the beach club experience, Mamitas Beach is the place to go, and for a more relaxing beach experience, Punta Esmeralda Beach is the go-to.   

@dronguysmx Playa mamitas con 0 sargazo 😍 #playadelcarmen #vivamexico #mexico🇲🇽 #sargazo ♬ Ascend – Dezko

More Beach Safety Tips 

In addition to watching out for the aforementioned warning flags, beachgoers should also look out for a purple flag, which indicates dangerous marine life in the water.   

Additionally, it is important to take precautions in the sun, as it can get quite hot at times in Playa del Carmen, so sunscreen and protective clothing are important.   

And last but not least, the consumption of too much alcohol can contribute to the dangers of the beach as well, so it’s important to not overdo it if you’ll be swimming in the water.   

Playa del Carmen beach

How To Enjoy Playa Del Carmen’s Beaches When You Can’t Swim 

If the beaches aren’t safe for swimming, it doesn’t always mean you can’t enjoy them.   

On various beaches in Playa del Carmen, there are a number of great beach clubs where you can spend the day.   

One of the beach clubs, Mamita’s, even has a pool, which is fantastic for those days when you can’t swim in the sea.   

5th Avenue Playa del Carmen, with people walking up and down the street past restaurants and shops.

What To Do In Playa Del Carmen When The Beaches Aren’t Safe 

If the beaches are unsafe in Playa del Carmen and closed as a result, there is plenty more to do.   

If you’re set on taking a dip you can always visit one of the nearby cenotes.   

And a trip to Playa del Carmen isn’t complete without strolling down 5th Avenue for some good food and shopping, and what better time to do it than when the beaches aren’t really safe for swimming?

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Buzz

Monday 6th of November 2023

First time in Cancun early 70's three Hotels across bridge 1general store and 12 dollar 110 film at hotel Camino Reale Aristos next door between 1973 and 1991 probably 45 trips puerta adventures had rope gate and owner treated wife and I Akumal met owner selling cokes out of cooler One dollar for hammocks and beach watched Mayan huts go from no electricity to antenna tv inside Tulum inside got married at courthouse Cozumel 1986 blood test at hospital Things change

Kathy

Wednesday 8th of November 2023

@Buzz, I think we met the same guy in Akumal in early 80s! What a gorgeous beach that was!