Los Cabos Beaches On High Alert: American Tourist Missing

We at the Cabo Sun want to give you a heads-up: if you’re planning to hit the sand in Los Cabos over the next few days, exercise extreme caution.

Over the weekend, an American tourist from San Francisco was swept off his feet by unexpectedly strong waves on the Tourist Corridor—and despite a massive rescue operation, he remains missing.

Incident Overview

Late Saturday afternoon, the 71-year-old man was taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline in front of a hotel between the Hilton and Marquis resorts when long-period swells knocked him over and pulled him into deeper water.

A Good Samaritan who tried to help was also dragged under but later rescued, exhausted and near-drowned.

What Is Mar de Fondo?

Locally known as mar de fondo, this coastal phenomenon sends powerful long-period waves—sometimes up to three meters high—rolling in from deep water.

Unlike regular surf, these swells arrive without the familiar “surf’s up” buildup, catching even cautious walkers off guard.

They tend to peak in the early morning and late evening, turning a calm beach stroll into a risky endeavor.

Ongoing Search Efforts

Since the disappearance was confirmed by the Municipal Civil Protection Directorate, firefighters with aquatic rescue teams, the Mexican Navy (Marina), and ZOFEMAT have been scouring the water by boat and jet ski, while Civil Protection helicopters survey from above.

Search operations have focused on the stretch between the Hilton and Marquis hotels, with local authorities coordinating closely with the U.S. consulate to keep the family in San Francisco informed.

Hear From the Officials

Alberto Rentería Santana, secretary general of the Los Cabos City Council, urged everyone—residents and visitors alike—to take the warnings seriously.

“The mar de fondo phenomenon produces significantly large waves and tides—especially at night or early in the morning—so it’s important that you take precautions,” he said, noting that rescue teams are working around the clock to recover the missing tourist.

Francisco Cota Márquez, director of Civil Protection Municipal, added that the mar de fondo will persist for the next few days and can generate currents strong enough to drag you far from shore within seconds.

Understanding Beach Warning Flags

Before you hit the sand, make sure you know what the colored flags mean—and obey them without exception:

• 🟢 Green: Low hazard. Swimming allowed, but stay alert.
• 🟡 Yellow: Medium hazard. Strong currents or waves possible; swim near a lifeguard.
• 🔴 Red: High hazard. No swimming at all recommended.
• ⚫ Black: Beach closed entirely—dangerous conditions.

Even on green-flag days, never turn your back on the surf—mar de fondo can undercut your stance when you least expect it.

Essential Tips for Safe Beach Days

1. Check Flags Frequently
   Flags can change hour by hour. Take note as soon as you arrive and keep an eye on them throughout your visit.
2. Buddy System
   Never swim or wade alone. Keep track of one another and agree on a landmark in case someone drifts away.
3. Swim Near Lifeguards
   Popular spots like Médano Beach (Cabo San Lucas) and Chileno Bay (Tourist Corridor) are patrolled daily.
4. Listen to Locals
   Your hotel concierge, beach vendors, and lifeguards often have the latest intel on sudden hazards that aren’t yet posted.
5. Skip Alcohol in the Water
   Even a small drink dulls your senses and slows reaction times—save the margaritas for after you’re safely off the sand.
6. Stay Above the High-Tide Line
   If you notice a series of large, slow-rolling waves, move well above the water’s edge and respect the posted boundary.

Picking the Right Beach in Los Cabos

Not every stretch of sand is ideal for swimming. West-facing beaches on the open Pacific—like Costa Azul—can be magnets for rogue sets. Instead, stick to sheltered bays with marked swim zones (or read our guide here, where we break down the safest spots and how to find them).

If you’re unsure which beaches have current rescues or special hazards, ask your hotel or check the municipal websites before heading out.

Recent Beach Safety Updates from The Cabo Sun

Over the past two weeks, we’ve published several beach-safety–focused articles to keep you informed:

• Tourists Advised to Be Cautious on All Beaches: Even typically swimmable spots like Medano can turn dangerous during high surf. Local lifeguards and ZOFEMAT are updating flag statuses regularly—green, yellow, red, and black flags.
• Officials Urge Caution Following Tourist Rescue: After a recent rescue at sea, authorities reminded everyone that flags can change unexpectedly—always ask a lifeguard if you don’t see one posted.
• First-Timer’s Guide to Swimmable (and Unswimmable) Beaches: We broke down which beaches are truly safe for swimming and which are “look, but don’t touch” zones—avoid Pacific-facing coves like Divorce Beach and Pedregal Beach for your own safety.
• Extreme Caution on Rocky Beach Areas: Rocky shores at El Chileno, Las Viudas, and Santa María can be slippery and unstable. This week’s incident reminds us that picturesque rocks mean high risk—stay on the sand if you’re not an experienced climber.
• High Surf from Hurricane Barbara Swells: Even as the storm stays offshore, its swells are pumping through Los Cabos, with larger-than-normal waves and dangerous rip currents expected—red flags will be flying at many beaches.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Remember: no vacation photo or Instagram story is worth risking your life. The mar de fondo is expected to continue for the next several days.

We at the Cabo Sun will keep you updated with any new developments or shifts in beach conditions. If you spot someone in trouble on the water, dial 911 immediately or flag down the nearest lifeguard.

Plan ahead, respect the flags, and stay aware of ocean conditions—then you can still enjoy the stunning beaches of Los Cabos, safely.