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Los Cabos is an amazing beach vacation destination with beautiful beaches that include both swimmable and unswimmable waters.
Those that are unswimmable are like that due to large waves and unpredictable currents that are present most of the time, but those that are usually safe for swimming can be unswimmable at times too.
This is why it’s important to look for warning flags, and right now authorities are urging caution on beaches, as waves in the region have intensified in recent weeks.
Los Cabos’ Beach Warning Flag System
Los Cabos uses a beach warning flag system that is pretty universal among beach vacation destinations to indicate beach conditions at any given time.
It’s important to look for these flags when visiting Los Cabos beaches at any time because there are several that are never safe for swimming, even if the weather is beautiful.
The beach flag warning system is as follows:
- Green – Safe for swimming.
- Yellow – Exercise caution when swimming.
- Red – Entering the water is prohibited.
- Black – Beach is closed.
- White – Dangerous marine life is present.
Beaches That Currently Have Dangerous Conditions
Currently, there are several Los Cabos beaches that have been consistently plagued with dangerous conditions.
Many of these beaches are usually safe for swimming, but weather conditions are causing large waves that are making them more dangerous than usual.
Those beaches include:
- Palmilla Beach
- Chileno Beach
- Tourist Corridor Beaches
- Viudas Beach
Who Decides Which Beaches Are Safe For Swimming?
Lifeguards and other safety officials who understand the water conditions in Los Cabos decide which beaches are safe at any given time.
They constantly monitor conditions to watch for increasing waves and changing undercurrents.
If they post a flag warning beachgoers to stay out of the water, it’s for good reason.
Why Beach Conditions May Remain Unsafe For The Next Few Days
If you’ll be visiting Los Cabos soon you may be facing dangerous beach conditions.
This is due to a tropical storm that is currently in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Aletta.
While not headed directly towards Los Cabos, it is causing strong winds and large waves in the destination.
Other Things To Do When The Beaches Are Closed
If you can’t go to the beaches when you’re visiting Los Cabos you still have the option of cooling off in one of your resort’s pools, and they’ll probably have several.
You can also take that time to explore the towns of both San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas or visit the nearby charming town of Todos Santos.
Additionally, there are several exciting land tours that are worth taking as well, like ATVing through the desert or horseback riding on the beach.
Beach Safety Tips For Visiting Los Cabos Beaches
In addition to looking for beach warning flags, it’s always advised that you only swim where a lifeguard is present.
Not going out too far into the water is important as well.
Last but not least, you should never enter the water while intoxicated, as this is when most accidents happen.
Best Time To Visit Los Cabos If You Want To Enjoy The Beaches
The warm days of the summer months may seem like the best time to enjoy the beaches in Los Cabos, but they can still be dangerous.
The weather is a little bit cooler in the fall, but water temperatures remain warm.
October and November are the most active months of the hurricane season though.
April and May, when temperatures are bearable and hurricane season hasn’t yet begun, may be the best time to visit Los Cabos if you want to enjoy the beaches.
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