Cancún, Quintana Roo — Civil protection officials in Cancún are urging beachgoers to exercise extreme caution this summer due to the risk of rip currents, a phenomenon that can pull swimmers out to sea in seconds.
Rip currents are surface currents that move rapidly away from the shore, forming a channel of water that can catch even experienced swimmers off guard, the agency explained.
If caught in a rip current, officials advise staying calm — the current pulls swimmers away from the beach but does not pull them under. Swimmers should not fight the current, as that leads to exhaustion and increases danger.
The best strategy is to swim parallel to the shore to escape the current. If tired, swimmers should float until the current weakens and signal for help by waving both arms side to side.
Officials also reminded the public about beach flag warnings: green means safe conditions, yellow indicates caution due to moderate waves or currents, and red prohibits entering the water due to high risk.
Visitors and locals are urged to always check flag colors before entering the sea, follow lifeguard instructions, and call 911 in an emergency.
