DNER orders arrests for defying ocean warnings after rescuers injured in Manatí.

Natural and Environmental Resources Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez

By THE STAR STAFF

Following the injury of two rescue workers during a recovery operation at Poza de las Mujeres beach in Manatí, Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez, announced a stricter enforcement approach against people who ignore official ocean safety warnings.

The incident occurred last Saturday while rescue personnel were searching for the body of a young man in dangerous surf conditions. The two rescuers suffered injuries due to strong waves and required medical assistance.

Quiles clarified that no fines have been issued directly to individuals who entered the water despite alerts from the National Weather Service and the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau, which had warned of hazardous conditions due to strong swells. However, he said he has issued a direct order to the commissioner of the Ranger Corps to arrest anyone who refuses to exit the water after being instructed to do so by authorities.

“That was a direct order,” Quiles emphasized.

The DNER secretary noted that the measure is not intended to criminalize beachgoers but rather is preventive in nature.

“Fortunately, it seems the message got through,” Quiles said. “There were a few individuals who, at the moment when rangers took out handcuffs to arrest them, decided to leave the water. We left it at that because our goal is not to arrest people, but to prevent incidents and the loss of life.”

He added that arrest should be considered a last resort, but stressed that the strategy has proven effective when used in past situations.

“This is regrettably the final option, but we’ve had to resort to it on several occasions, and it has worked when implemented,” the official said.

When asked whether the action could be considered a pilot plan to prevent future accidents -- particularly those involving rescue personnel -- Quiles acknowledged that the recent injuries in Manatí were a decisive factor in his decision.

“I’ll be honest: it was because of these rescuers who were injured in Manatí that I felt a moral obligation to give that order,” Quiles said. “We cannot afford to lose rescuers.”

He emphasized that emergency responders routinely put their lives at risk to protect others, including individuals who disregard repeated warnings about dangerous sea conditions.

“At some point, we have to draw a line,” Quiles said. “Those who choose not to value their own lives should at least allow others to value theirs. I’m referring specifically to our rescuers, who expose themselves daily for people who chose not to listen to warnings that the ocean was extremely dangerous.”

The DNER, he added, will continue to urge the public to heed official advisories and avoid entering the water when hazardous marine conditions are reported.