Here in Bavaro/Punta Cana the sea is very rough too.
However most hotels don't raise the red flag; "that scares the guests" is their answer....so the waiting is for the first drowning (which they will try to keep quiet) So Dominican!
I do agree that you need to know what you are doing when you enter the waters of Cabarete. I body-board and bring my fins and web gloves when I go in. Wouldn't think of going in without them unless it was calm.
Very sorry to hear this terrible news. The west side of Cabarete bay where Viva is located has very rough waters. Usually the ocean is quite calm east from the center of town; not today.