The beaches of Puerto Peñasco were bursting at the seams during Semana Santa, with the arrival of an estimated 80,000 tourists yet without any tragic deaths to report.
Over the recent Semana Santa weekend in Rocky Point, area hotels and condos were completely full and reported more than a 65% occupancy level mid-week. These quick numbers following the Easter weekend were provided by the local Convention and Visitors Bureau, and add to the thousands of vacationers who stayed with friends and family – representing about 30% of area homes. This translated into an economic flow of approximately 50 million pesos during the vacation period.
Municipal Civil Protection reported no deaths over the holiday weekend in the city and around area beaches. During the Easter Week safety operative, at least 50 vehicle accidents were reported, resulting in more than 70 people injured. Furthermore, numerous tourists suffered injuries due to ATV and four-wheel accidents on dunes and in the city. In another case, a person who had sunk into sand trenches built for a sand castle was successfully rescued. Seven children were reported lost, and returned to their families, and there were a number of sting ray and jelly-fish incidents.
Spots where the majority of tourists gathered included the malecón, where up to 5000 people gathered at night to listen to visiting bandas. Other hot spots included Calle 13, the beach entrance known as “la Bajada de los Guardados”, and of course competition hill “La Loma” in La Cholla where thousands flocked for off-road races.
The safety operative, which included lifeguards along beach areas, was a result of cooperation between Municipal Civil Protection, the Fire Department, the Navy, Red Cross, and Tourist Assistance Unit, along with municipal and state police departments. Similarly, the Harbor Master remained alert to the exit and entry of small and larger boats, along with measures aimed at tourist boats and “bananas.”