Cancun is adding more lifeguards across its 11 beaches in a bid to protect tourists ahead of what will be a record-high season. Famous for its gorgeous beaches – with Cancun recently having been crowned as having the most Blue Flag beaches in the country – days on the sand and in the sea are firmly on the top of most travelers’ itineraries. Now, travelers can enjoy the water safely in the knowledge that more lifeguards will be around to keep an eye on them should they come into difficulty.
Whilst incidents of drowning and water-related accidents are relatively rare in Cancun, the addition of more lifeguards will fill travelers with more confidence and reassurance when it comes to trying out the city’s many fun watersport options. Here’s a look at everything we know about this traveler-positive story, plus a look at how Cancun looks set to shatter records in the coming few months.
Whether you’re an able swimmer or not, having lifeguards keeping watch over the swimmers out at sea is a comforting presence that benefits all travelers on the beach. Unfortunately, last April saw two revelers drown on the same day at Playa San Miguelito and Playa Delfines – a move that spurred authorities in the city to increase the number of lifeguards on its beaches. This high season, with record numbers set to descend on the city, even more lifeguards will be added to avoid a repeat occurrence of that scene.
Last April’s increase in lifeguarding numbers saw a total of 23 lifeguards deployed across its beaches, in addition to increased patrol frequency to try and spot dangers as soon as possible and prevent incidents from occurring. Last week, it was revealed that this figure would be increased to 36 lifeguards in total – a significant increase of more than 50% – to ensure the millions of high-season arrivals are safer than ever on the beaches and in the seas off of Cancun.
The increase in lifeguard numbers was announced by Antonio Riveroll, who heads the Benito Juárez Civil Protection Department. Speaking about the decision, he said:
“What we do is reinforce security measures with an increase in lifeguards and that helps us to have a white balance that we hope this year will not be the exception.”
According to the announcement, there will be 36 lifeguards in total spread out across 11 beaches in the city. Destinations such as Playa Delfines, which is one of the most popular beaches and is known to have strong waves, will have as many as 8 lifeguards present to ensure the high number of swimmers are ably watched. At present, there are 20 lifeguards available and six firefighters assisting their operation, with a further 10 lifeguards set to be employed.
It’s not the first proactive step taken by Cancun to ensure beaches are on top form this high season, with a committee recently having been established to ensure beaches are in tip-top condition. Three viewpoints were also renovated and reopened on the popular island of Cozumel, and 50 Navy officers were sent to Tulum as the authorities in the region continue to work hard to ensure that the upcoming high season is better than ever for travelers and locals alike.
The decision to add more lifeguards has been made after record-breaking numbers of travelers have booked vacations in Cancun and the surrounding areas. The city has already welcomed a high volume of flights so far this month, and by the end of this year alone, traveler totals are expected to surpass 6 million – with many more expected to make the trip in the early months of 2023.