- Thread starter Chirimoya
- Start date
Four tourists drown at Playa Macao
Risk
Unfortunately, the beauty of the beach disguises the ever present danger of the rip currents and high waves of the location. This is compounded by the lack of a barrier reef to soften the wave action upon the shore and the beach's steep drop off at waters edge that gives risk to non swimmers. Yet, it is the strong wave actions that attract surfing to the beach.
The government will do nothing to draw attention to the risk. Yet, it should be at least the tour companies, which there are many, visiting the beach advise their groups of the dangers of the location. They at least be required have some life saving equipment such as ring buoy and line. They should have one employee having life saving know how.
The shame of this whole matter is there is a Dominican Naval detachment at the main entrance of the beach. Yet, you never, if ever, see the uniforms patrolling the beach. The only proactive approach to lessen the risk is through the training programs by our northern friends, the Canadians, and unnamed others.
My condolences to the families and friends of the tourists.
Regards,
PJT
Unfortunately, the beauty of the beach disguises the ever present danger of the rip currents and high waves of the location. This is compounded by the lack of a barrier reef to soften the wave action upon the shore and the beach's steep drop off at waters edge that gives risk to non swimmers. Yet, it is the strong wave actions that attract surfing to the beach.
The government will do nothing to draw attention to the risk. Yet, it should be at least the tour companies, which there are many, visiting the beach advise their groups of the dangers of the location. They at least be required have some life saving equipment such as ring buoy and line. They should have one employee having life saving know how.
The shame of this whole matter is there is a Dominican Naval detachment at the main entrance of the beach. Yet, you never, if ever, see the uniforms patrolling the beach. The only proactive approach to lessen the risk is through the training programs by our northern friends, the Canadians, and unnamed others.
My condolences to the families and friends of the tourists.
Regards,
PJT
Four in one day that is truly sad. I know it is dangerous to try and help but god if you see anouther in need well at some people want to help.
As time goes on I wonder why Americans would willingly vacation in a country where there is no interest taken in the safety of tourists. In Puerto Rico, Florida, Hawaii, California and other civilized parts of the Caribbean there are life guards there to prevent this. In January I had 3 weeks with no work, we decided to spend our vacation in Cancun through RCI instead of RD. There were lifeguards at our beach and we felt safe with two young ones. No sanky panky activity at the resort either.
We have become conditioned to assume that we are always safe both at home and while travelling so we think with our wallets and not our brains. It should be simple. No back up plan (trained lifeguard(s) and equipment), no swimming. Apparently, its not so simple when the price is right. I'm sure C2H5OH is a significant factor as well.
No interest taken in the safety of tourists? Along the five mile stretch of beach that I walk in Bavaro - there are security guards and lifeguards along the entire stretch. Better than Cancun - and the waves are more calm.
I have seen the guys respond to an emergency in Bavaro and they are quick and professional.
When have you heard of FOUR tourists dying in Cancun ? I am sitting here in a "24 hour" zone checking DR1 because lights are out and we dont run AC on the inversor. The "custodian" at our building has not started the planta yet. If this country cant take care of its few economically solvent citizens who pay taxes and generate employment how can they take are of tourists at the beach ? If squalor, indifference and death are your thing so be it. We're out of here by the end of the year.
I don't monitor the death count in Cancun.
End of the year? Wow, long time. Sorry you are having such a bad time. Why would you obligate yourself to such a long time here without knowing more about the DR. Squalor, indifference, and death - sounds just like Mexico. I was there off and on for seven years before coming to the DR. We could go on with the comparisions, but probably not of any purpose. I like it better here, less squalor, indifference, and death in my experience : ) Saludos.
I do not see that ever happening here. But you never know. Now they have MOPC patrolling the highways and I would never have predicted that to happen.
there is a comment in DL under an artile about this drowning that throws a bit of light on this:
esta playa es sumamente peligrosa y se ahogan muchos seres humanos todos los anos y las autoridades no toman las medidas necesarias para evitar esas tragedia....uno de los principales problemas es la fuerte corriente que te toma de sorpresa... eso afecta al lindero completo de playa macao....y a mi parecer se esta empeorando.... yo visitaba mucho con mi familia pero la ultima veces sent? que la corriente estaba fuera de lo normal y no volver?....le sugiero bayahibe...
esta playa es sumamente peligrosa y se ahogan muchos seres humanos todos los anos y las autoridades no toman las medidas necesarias para evitar esas tragedia....uno de los principales problemas es la fuerte corriente que te toma de sorpresa... eso afecta al lindero completo de playa macao....y a mi parecer se esta empeorando.... yo visitaba mucho con mi familia pero la ultima veces sent? que la corriente estaba fuera de lo normal y no volver?....le sugiero bayahibe...
It highlights the need for people to use their heads! When the ocean is really rough stay out!
Even on calm days Playa Macao can be traitorous. Because of the way the bay is formed, you have strong underwater currents that change constantly. People that don't know this only see a beautiful beach with nice waves and think it's just like the beach at their hotel (which in the majority of cases in Punta Cana is quite safe). Add in a couple of beers and a group of people having fun and this is sometimes what you end up with.
Red Flag Warning
Although everybody has a head, the brains are different.
One can't really expect (for example) a Bavarian tourist (maybe a good skier from near the alpes :bunny: ) know everything about rip tides (which, BTW, do not look dangerous at all).
On the other hand not every holiday maker can be given a tutorial about the dangers of the sea.
In other countries I have seen green or red flags being used at the beaches.
Whether those are used in Punta Cana, I do not know; but it would certainly not be too much to ask for.
donP
Although everybody has a head, the brains are different.
One can't really expect (for example) a Bavarian tourist (maybe a good skier from near the alpes :bunny: ) know everything about rip tides (which, BTW, do not look dangerous at all).
On the other hand not every holiday maker can be given a tutorial about the dangers of the sea.
In other countries I have seen green or red flags being used at the beaches.
Whether those are used in Punta Cana, I do not know; but it would certainly not be too much to ask for.
donP
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First mistake the tourist should not enter these wild waters unless you are an a excellent swimmer if you cant swim is a nono..mistake nr 2 is not knowing your surroundings and were the hidden tide currents form...third mistake no communication with emergency crews, lifeguards, rescue teams...when I go surfing alone in wild waters I study the currents and talk to fellow surfers before entering new places...so I can get all the information on tides, currents and potencial exit points if I get pulled out....the key is to remain calm and not panick...simply let the current pull you out and swim in further down were current is less strong..