Isla Mujeres Beaches Lack Lifeguards, Risking Safety

Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — More than 90% of businesses operating along the North and Central beaches of Isla Mujeres lack certified lifeguards, violating Civil Protection regulations that mandate emergency personnel for visitor safety, according to workers at local establishments.

Limited Lifeguard Presence Poses Risks

Only two businesses in Playa Norte—Guru Beach, located near the mouth of Zazil-ha Street, and Mayan Beach, situated close to the Rueda Medina boardwalk—employ accredited lifeguards. The remaining establishments do not have trained personnel to safeguard swimmers.

During the ongoing Holy Week vacation period, which began on April 12 and runs through April 27, rescue teams from the Fifth Naval Region will monitor the area from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, using surveillance towers. Outside these hours, businesses are responsible for emergencies, but the absence of specialized personnel increases risks for swimmers, particularly those with limited skills or elderly individuals vulnerable to cramps.

Authorities Urged to Enforce Regulations

Local business leaders emphasized the need for stricter enforcement. "Civil Protection and the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone Directorate (Zofemat) must act seriously by requiring concessionaires to comply with legal procedures and maintain trained rescue staff," said representatives from compliant establishments.

A recent incident underscored the dangers: A lifeguard from Guru Beach rescued two individuals struggling in the hazardous waters of Playa Media Luna a week ago. The emergency occurred around 4:00 p.m., but neither Civil Protection personnel nor nearby Pocná beach club—which lacked lifeguards—responded. The rescue, filmed 300 meters away, highlighted gaps in oversight.

Longstanding Safety Concerns

Over the past two decades, preventable accidents have occurred due to alleged negligence, acknowledged by Civil Protection, the Port Authority, the Red Cross, and business operators. Authorities confirmed that buoy markers at North and Central beaches have been repaired ahead of the holiday influx, which expects over 5,000 daily visitors. Additional monitoring will cover Playa Media Luna and Acapulquito in Isla Blanca.

Civil Protection officials noted that while naval support is available during designated hours, the responsibility ultimately falls on businesses to ensure visitor safety beyond that window.