Authorities are successfully fighting crime in the area and will soon introduce a crucial new level of security to protect tourists as well. Cancun will begin round-the-clock surveillance of Playa Delfines beach, also known as Dolphin Beach.
The project is a partnership with the Mexican Red Cross, which will set up long-term monitoring facilities to help lifeguards protect the numerous vacationers who frequently visit Playa Delfines each week.
Last year, at least two accidents involving tourists occurred at the popular Playa Delfines, one of which was fatal. During the summer, a tourist from Bangladesh followed some buddies into the sea at Playa Delfines and was found drowned shortly after, unable to be revived.
An American tourist was rescued from drowning at Playa Delfines in October after being swept away by the sea and unable to return to shore under his own power.
Currently, there are only six lifeguards on duty to keep an eye on the hundreds of visitors and locals who visit Playa Delfines almost every day. Six lifeguards are barely enough to adequately guard the entire beach, which is about 2.5 miles long and quite wide.
In addition, Playa Delfines is known for having a strong undertow that easily sweeps unaware tourists out to sea, making it virtually impossible to return to shore without assistance.
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Three mishaps on Cancun beaches required the attention of lifeguards during the vacation season, but fortunately, there were no fatalities. However, Ana Patricia Peralta de la Peña, the municipal president of Benito Juárez, claims that this is not enough, especially during the high season on the beach, and that better supervision would be introduced.
“There will be a permanent care module in Playa Delfines, a beach that is the most visited by citizens and tourists, but it is also one of the most complicated beaches in the destination, where we have large numbers of tourists, accidents,” she said.
The addition of Red Cross modules to other beaches would be attempted in the future, it was further said. Although there is surveillance, visitors should follow any instructions to protect themselves when swimming on Cancun’s beaches.
