DNER installs new signage & safety buoys at Boquerón Beach

The new signage details the flag system, a platform that notifies bathers about weather conditions, including wave height.

By THE STAR STAFF

With the purpose of improving safety on Puerto Rico’s beaches, Luis Márques, the commissioner of the Navigation Office of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), announced on Sunday the installation of new signage and buoys marking the areas authorized for use by bathers at Boquerón Beach in Cabo Rojo.

“Part of our Secretary Waldemar Quiles’ public policy focuses on improving safety conditions at beaches throughout Puerto Rico,” Márques said. “In line with this, last week, personnel from the Office of the Navigation Commissioner were at Boquerón Beach, installing new signage to explain beach conditions to swimmers using a flag system, as well as informing everyone which area is designated for swimming.”

The new signage details the flag system, a platform that notifies bathers about weather conditions, including wave height. The red flag indicates high risk, while the yellow flag indicates moderate risk, and the green flag indicates low risk.

The buoys, delineating the area exclusively for bathers, were approved by the United States Army Corps of Engineers

The swimming area is defined as the first 150 feet from the shoreline into the sea. Typically, the depth in these areas does not exceed 15 feet.

“Every buoy that needs to be installed on the seabed requires approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” Márques noted. “We reiterate our request to all swimmers, as well as those who practice other water activities, to always be aware of the areas properly marked for the exclusive use of swimmers.”

The new buoys have a useful life of up to two years, depending on currents and marked atmospheric events, such as tropical storms and/or hurricanes.