Love those Winter Jaltemba Bay Beaches
Tara A. Spears
Some like it hot and they flock to warm Mexico in the winter. Many of those people who trade their snow shovel for a cold beer on the beach are people who appreciate the simple joys in life: beautiful views, the feel of the hot sun on their skin, a refreshing swim, an afternoon with friends. They are the happiest people to be around. In January one needs to be aware of the wind, waves and tides as you lounge around on the sand. Enjoying the beach can be one of the highlights of your Mexican vacation but it’s important to keep safety in mind should you choose to swim in the ocean.
It’s a sad reality that every year there are drownings or ocean related injuries that could be prevented if people took the proper caution when choosing whether or not to go for a swim in the ocean. Mexican authorities make it easy for you: there are flags on the beach to let you know the current conditions of the water and whether it is safe to swim or not.
Strong undertow and rough surf are common on many of Mexico’s beaches. Dangerous rip currents may be present even though there may be no visible indication from the shore. Before entering the water, you should check the surf conditions and see if a warning flag is up. Be particularly cautious if you are not a strong swimmer or if you have been drinking alcoholic beverages.
Most beaches in Mexico do not have lifeguards although Los Ayala and Guayabitos do. Remember that you are responsible for your personal safety and if you decide to enter the ocean, you do so at your own risk. A beach warning flag system is in use in many of the heavy use beach areas. Familiarize yourself with what each color flag means or save the picture.
Even in tropical Mexico we can feel the results of the jet stream. This northwest weather pattern may also bring strong ocean swells. Each winter storm follows a different path across the Pacific Ocean, steered by the jet stream–a band of strong, high-altitude winds that flows like a meandering river of air around the entire Northern Hemisphere. The higher than normal waves are beautiful to watch but risky for swimming. 
Even if you say, ‘I don’t go in the ocean,’ there are other potentially hazardous things to watch out for. The tide-the level of the water where it meets the land- will deposit stuff on the beach. Whether it is a broken bottle semi buried in the sand to a writhing eel or jellyfish, it’s good to be careful where you step at low tide. Some people carry a sack to store found trash and take it off the beach.
As for the jellyfish, even dead on the shore they can give a vicious sting so do not touch one with any body part. This is important to teach your grandkids because the luminous jelly simply ignites curiosity, begging to be poked!
The beach is an excellent activity to share with children and grandchildren. Annoyed that they can’t put down the cell phone? Take them to the beach and leave the phone
at home. The beach is a great place to truly unplug because screens don’t work that great in the sun. Soon that snarly teen will be enticed by the ocean and enjoy the
experience.
One of the benefits of winter on the beach is soaking up your vitamin D. All you have to do at the beach is lay on the sand and enjoy the sun and surf. Beach-lovers know the true pleasure of leisure isn’t wasting a day indoors, it’s lounging somewhere beautiful that reminds you how blessed you are.
