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Why Tourists May Want To Think Twice About Swimming In Los Cabos Right Now

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People flock to Los Cabos to have the time of their lives. Of course, one of Cabo’s many top attractions is enjoying the beautiful beaches.

Travelers flock in droves each year, especially in the summer, to have a dreamy beach vacation in one of Mexico’s premiere destinations.

But many of Cabo’s beaches have safety issues right now. Unless you are making sandcastles or tossing a frisbee around, you may not want to leave your beach chair.

red flagged beach in Los Cabos

Some travelers may already be aware of certain beaches being red-flagged. More and more beaches are being deemed hazardous to swimmers.

In total, 10 beaches have been issued yellow flags, advising visitors to take extreme caution getting into the water.

Los Cabos Flag System

Travelers should be aware of the color-coded flag system used at Cabo beaches. This isn’t only for peak travel in the summer, it’s used year-round to make travelers aware of how safe the waters are.

red flag on Cabo beach

It’s no secret that some of Cabo’s beaches are too dangerous for swimming. Currents can be way too strong and unpredictable.

To avoid unnecessary accidents or worse, Cabo’s flag system is used to easily display safety risks at beaches:

  • Black – Extreme impending danger (not allowed anywhere in beach vicinity)
  • Red – Dangerous conditions (no-swim zone)
  • Yellow – Take extreme caution when swimming
  • Green – Safe conditions

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yellow flag on lifeguard tower

There is one flag left, which is currently being used at one of Cabo’s many popular beaches. The white flag determines there is a strong presence of jellyfish lurking in the waters.

El Chileno Beach

El Chileno Beach is known for being one of the top beaches for families. But this isn’t the place to take your kids at the moment.

White flags were raised here to let the public know of a large jellyfish presence in the water. Not only was the white flag raised, but also the yellow flag.

jellyfish lurking underwater at beach

In other words, it’s a high-risk area for swimming right now due to multiple factors. There are many beaches to check out in Cabo, but it’s probably best to give El Chileno a rain check.

Beach With Yellow Flags

Those who dare try to swim in Cabo’s waters are best suited for beaches with green flags. However, visitors are still allowed to swim at beaches marked with yellow flags.

There could be a variety of reasons for the risky conditions. There have been many horror stories of people taking that chance and winding up seriously hurt or even dying.

playa el chileno

It is not against the rules to swim on yellow-flagged beaches, but that doesn’t make it the right decision either.

Cabo is notorious for having intense swells that may not seem dangerous until you get caught in one yourself.

These beaches currently have yellow flags:

  • El Médano
  • Acapulquito
  • La Gaviota
  • 8 Waterfalls
  • El Corsario
  • Las Viudas
  • Santa María
  • El Surgidero
  • Palmilla
  • El Chileno
el Medano beach in Cabo

Beaches With Red Flags

Cabo is known as a fun party destination. It’s not just families enjoying a beach getaway. It’s easy to get a little carried away to where our judgment becomes foggy, to say the least.

Just because there are warnings at beaches, that doesn’t mean everyone will pay attention or even care in the moment.

A common place to find the party scene is along what’s known as the Tourist Corridor. This is where tourists will find amazing resorts, golf courses, beaches, and nightlife.

couple walking alone on Cabo beach

Sadly, all of the beaches in the tourist corridor are marked with red flags. Beachgoers can still have a fun time here, just not in the water.

Getting in the water is strictly prohibited when red flags are present. Unfortunately, sometimes people test their limits and end up costing them their lives.

According to a recent report, a young man went for a swim and was swept away in dangerous waters and could not make it back to shore, costing him his life at just 25 years old.

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