Last Updated
Many tourists who travel to Cancun and other Mexican Caribbean vacation destinations choose the region because it has amazing beaches.
And there is plenty to do on the beaches, so spending an entire day on one of these stunning pieces of paradise isn’t hard at all.
But if you’re going to be spending that much time on the beach, it’s important to consider some safety tips.
Beach Safety
Whether you plan to just relax and soak up the sun, have some fun at one of the many beach clubs, or experience a snorkeling adventure, beach safety should always be on your mind.
There are a number of things that you can do to keep yourself safe while enjoying the beaches.
Here are the top five things travelers need to know when visiting Cancun and Mexican Caribbean beaches for safety:
@jesusmilantv Asi luce #Cancun este 2023 previo a la #SemanaSanta, plahas increíbles con azul turquesa fascinante ¡Viaja a Cancún hoy! 💙 #cancunmexico #cancunbeach #RivieraMaya ♬ sonido original – Luis Eduardo Sierra
Flag System
The flag system used in Cancun and throughout the Mexican Caribbean will tell you if the beaches are safe for swimming.
They are the first thing you should look for upon arriving at the beach. The flag warning system is as follows:
- Green Flag – Conditions are safe for swimming.
- Yellow Flag – Use caution when swimming.
- Red Flag – Conditions require extreme caution.
- Black Flag – Dangerous conditions, do not swim!
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
@kaylamonai Replying to @angelaleiramontal there is a beach area but it is rocky in some areas and a lot of sea weed. Red flags all week so you didn’t see anyone swimming. If you get a chance, visit the beaches in the Hotel Zone… those are BEAUTIFUL! Clear, blue waters and beautiful sandy beaches. #puertomorelos #cancun #hyattzivariviera ♬ Tequila – The Champs
Rip Tides
Rip tides are another major safety hazard to be aware of when swimming at Mexican Caribbean beaches, and you can’t see them, so you have to be cautious.
It’s also important to know how to escape rip tides.
Rather than fighting the current and using up all of your much-needed energy, you should always swim parallel to the shore until you break free of the current and then swim to shore.
@javiertheauthor One of the scariest experiences I’ve had in a long time. #vacationtiktoks #theblocksbooks #springbreak2022 #beachtimefun #beachfuntime #cancunvacation #riptides #closecallthere ♬ original sound – Javier the Author
Beaches With Lifeguards
Lifeguards are put on the beaches for a reason, to help protect swimmers and save them if a dangerous situation should occur.
But not all beaches have lifeguards on them, and they are only there between certain hours on the ones that do.
Make sure if you are going to be swimming that you opt for beaches with lifeguards present.
@abrahamarturoarbe #guardavidasperu #guardavidascancun #elpanaextremo #poruncancunseguro #mentesmillonarias #lovingtheocean #god #actitudmillonaria #lifeguard ♬ Viva La Vida – Coldplay
Drinking While At The Beach
Drinking too much while at the beach can cause all sorts of problems that can put your safety at risk.
Not only is it not safe to swim while under the heavy influence of alcohol, but heavy drinking can also lead to dehydration due to being in the hot sun.
Dehydration alone is bad enough, but it can cause even worse problems, like having a heat stroke.
For this reason, it’s important to not only limit alcohol but to drink plenty of water as well.
@grandmajami #drunk #springbreak #cancun #fypシ #foryourpage #foru #beach #tequila #nomas ♬ original sound – Grandma Jami
Basic Medical Supplies And Sunscreen
Having basic medical supplies with you, in addition to good high-SPF sunscreen, when you go to the beaches in the Mexican Caribbean isn’t a bad idea either.
You can find beach first aid kits that include important items like the following:
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- Bandages
- Tweezers
- Hand Sanitizer
- Gauze
- Medical Tape
- Disposable Gloves
- Waterproof Bandaids
- Pain Relievers
- Benadryl
- Alcohol
- Peroxide
- Aloe
- Instant Ice Packs
In addition, it doesn’t hurt to have vinegar in case you get stung by a jellyfish or a spray that helps stop the sting. All of these things can come in handy at any time while visiting the beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.
@sheshavingreallygoodtime in soo much pain. send tips below please😭 #sunburn #sunnburnt #lipfiller #lipliner #burn #cancun #cancunmexico #CheetosReaperReactions #allinclusive #hyatt #ItsGreatOutdoors#tanning #tanninggonewrong ♬ pass the dutchie sped up – vevonix
A Safe Vacation Is The Best Kind Of Vacation
Nobody wants an accident to interrupt their vacation, yet every year lifeguards end up rescuing or treating tourists that didn’t take safety seriously.
You’ll enjoy your vacation much more, and it will be memorable in a good way if you take your safety into your own hands.
These tips will help you do just that, so you can continue spending your time making great beach vacation memories.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.