PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – The popular “Holi” beach in Puerto Vallarta has been marked with red flags, indicating its unsuitability for recreational activities. The decision was made by the Directorate of Civil Protection and Firefighters after the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) revealed high contamination of enterococci in the latest study.
The contamination was discovered in a study carried out at the Holiday Inn beach, where high levels of enterococcus were detected. Enterococcus is a bacterium commonly found in sewage water or water contaminated with fecal matter.
“We received a notification from Cofepris where they told us that they found enterococci; for this reason, we are putting a red flag on that beach, as well as informing citizens of the risk they have of entering the sea,” said Gerardo Alonso Castillón Andrade, the owner of the Civil Protection and Firefighters Directorate.
The red flags were placed as a precautionary measure, and lifeguards will be present permanently to inform the public about the situation until new results are obtained.
Cofepris’s report, published on July 30, sampled 289 beaches across the Mexican Republic. Fourteen of these beaches were found to exceed the norm, with more than 200 enterococci per 100 milliliters, including the “Holi” beach.
Castillón Andrade also mentioned that he has informed the Municipal Environment Sub-directorate of the notification so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Visitors to Puerto Vallarta and residents alike are being urged to heed the warnings and stay clear of the affected area. The local authorities are working diligently to address the issue, but for now, the red flags remain a stark reminder of the potential health risks associated with contaminated water.
The closing of the “Holi” beach is expected to have a significant impact on the local tourism industry, at least in the short term. Further studies and cleaning efforts are underway to ensure the beach can return to its former glory and continue to be a major draw for tourists and locals alike.
