Cancun, Quintana Roo — A British tourist drowned Thursday after being swept away by strong waves at a beach in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, and his family has criticized the response time of lifeguards.
The man entered the water with his two children near the Nyx hotel at kilometer 11.5 of Kukulcan Boulevard, an area where red flags were flying due to dangerous sea conditions, according to witnesses.
Strong currents caught the group, making it difficult for them to return to shore. Bystanders raised the alarm as they watched the waves pull the three swimmers farther out.
The man’s two children were rescued alive, but the father remained in the water for several minutes before being located and brought to shore. Medical personnel performed CPR, but he showed no vital signs and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members said they asked a lifeguard for help when they saw the man struggling, but claimed there was a delay in the response. They said a second rescuer eventually entered the water to assist.
Authorities cordoned off the area for investigation. The body remained on the beach until forensic personnel arrived and later transported it for legal procedures.
No official statement has been released regarding the rescue operation or the family’s allegations. The incident is under investigation.
Emergency services and security personnel responded to the scene in one of Cancun’s busiest tourist areas.
