The summer vacation period, which ran from July 16 to August 25, 2024, witnessed the tragic loss of two lives due to drowning incidents on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta as of Thursday, August 22.
The first fatal incident occurred on July 23, just days before the official holiday season began, at Malecón Beach. A man, believed to be between 30 and 35 years old, was swimming near the Hotel Rosita, in front of La Bodeguita del Medio, when he encountered difficulties in the water. Despite the prompt efforts of lifeguards to rescue him, the strong tidal surge proved too overwhelming. By the time he was brought ashore, he had already succumbed to the water. The man’s identity remains unknown as he was unaccompanied at the time of the incident.
The second tragic event took place 11 days ago on Mismaloya Beach, located south of Puerto Vallarta. A beachgoer was pulled unconscious from the water by other visitors. Bystanders immediately initiated CPR while awaiting emergency services, but despite their quick actions, Red Cross paramedics declared the individual dead upon arrival. The victim was later identified as 24-year-old Elías Melo from Puebla, who had been working on a construction project in the city.
These heartbreaking incidents underscore the dangers associated with ocean swimming, particularly during periods of high tides or rough seas. Authorities and safety experts strongly advise beachgoers to adhere to essential safety precautions to avoid further tragedies.
Visitors are urged to swim only in areas supervised by lifeguards and to avoid entering the water if they are not confident in their swimming abilities. It is also crucial to refrain from swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as these substances can impair judgment and response time.