Cancun Beaches Step Up Safety, Advise Tourists to Exercise Caution Ahead of High Season

Image: The beach in Cancun, Mexico (photo by Eric Bowman)
Image: The beach in Cancun, Mexico (photo by Eric Bowman)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 8:30 AM ET, Wed November 29, 2023

Cancun is gearing up for a record-breaking high season by urging visitors to exercise caution along the destination's beaches.

Lifeguards will work extended hours in anticipation of the crowds but it'll also be up to tourists to pay attention to Cancun's color-coded beach warning system and avoid entering the water when red or black flags are present.

Visitors will find lifeguards present from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. along most popular shorelines.

"There is an increase in drownings during vacation periods due to the high volume of visitors, which is why we have decided to expand our operating hours to protect travelers," a lifeguard told the Cancun Sun.

In addition to following the lifeguards' advice and monitoring sea conditions via the flag system, tourists are asked to drink responsibly as alcohol can increase the risk of drowning.

Visitors should also keep an eye on young children and individuals with limited swimming experience as rip tides and powerful waves pose a threat.

While Cancun authorities will remain vigilant through the high season it's ultimately up to vacationers to practice common sense and heed the guidance of their local lifeguard.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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