Lawmaker urges action on beach safety bill following drownings.

A proposal in the island House of Representatives would require hotels, guesthouses and short‑term rentals to provide guests with timely alerts issued by the National Weather Service. The alerts — delivered through text messages, emails and accessible informational materials — would warn visitors about hazardous marine conditions.

By THE STAR STAFF

Following a string of recent drownings along the beaches of Vega Baja, San Juan and Manatí, Popular Democratic Party Rep. Edgardo Feliciano Sánchez is calling on the New Progressive Party (NPP) majority to urgently take up House Bill 828, a measure he introduced last year to strengthen swimmer safety across Puerto Rico.

The proposal would require hotels, guesthouses and short‑term rentals to provide guests with timely alerts issued by the National Weather Service. These alerts — delivered through text messages, emails and accessible informational materials — would warn visitors about hazardous marine conditions. The bill also outlines a coordinated interagency strategy to amplify safety notices at both the local and international levels.

“The country cannot continue reacting too late to tragedies that are preventable,” Feliciano said, criticizing the NPP majority for keeping the measure stalled. “As we continue to see these heartbreaking incidents on our beaches, the majority keeps a bill shelved that directly addresses this problem.”

Feliciano said the measure seeks to establish a structured communication system between the government and the tourism sector to ensure the effective dissemination of warnings about dangerous ocean conditions, including rip currents and high surf. He emphasized the importance of reaching tourists who may be unfamiliar with the characteristics of Puerto Rico’s coastline.

“The recent cases in Vega Baja and Manatí are a painful reminder that action is needed,” he stated. “It’s not enough to lament these incidents; it’s time to prevent them. This measure creates clear tools to educate, alert, and save lives.”

The legislator said eight people have drowned in Puerto Rico waters so far this year. It was unclear at press time whether that number included Wednesday’s reported drowning in Vieques of a 56-year-old male tourist from Maine. On Thursday, meanwhile, authorities reported the discovery of the body of a young man who had been swept away by ocean currents at Condado Beach in San Juan in an incident that occurred on Wednesday afternoon. The victim was one of three tourists who were in the area during their stay in the capital city for spring break. Two of them were rescued alive.

The bill also includes provisions for fines in cases of noncompliance, directing any collected funds toward improving beach safety. The revenue would support lifeguard hiring, proper signage, and educational campaigns aimed at reducing water‑related fatalities.

“I urge the NPP majority to act responsibly and allow for the immediate evaluation and approval of this measure,” Feliciano added. “Every day that passes without action is an additional risk for residents and visitors.”

The representative stressed that Puerto Rico, as a world‑class tourist destination, has an obligation not only to promote its beaches but also to ensure the safety of those who enjoy them.