With Mexicos miles of coastline, saltwater swimming and snorkeling activities are popular vacation pastimes. Before entering the ocean, personal safety guidelines should be in place to ensure your swim is monitored and being conducted in optimal ocean conditions.

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1) Always swim close to manned lifeguard stations. In many upscale Mexican resorts, lifeguards will be furnished on the resort's private beach. If no lifeguard is available, read posted signs notifying beachgoers about current ocean conditions and proceed with caution.

2) Never enter ocean water during warning times. This could be due to a tropical disturbance, water contamination or strong current. If you must go swimming, proceed to the hotel pool and visit the ocean after posted danger warnings have been removed.

3) Never eat food before going swimming, and most importantly; refrain from alcoholic beverages when participating in ocean activities. Wait two to three hours after eating to go swimming, or swim and eat afterwards. Alcohol should never be consumed as it impairs judgment and due to the enormous power of the ocean, swimmers and snorkelers should always be in full control of their bodies.

4) Before entering the ocean, examine it for hazardous sea creatures. Venomous sea life and sharks including jellyfish, stingrays, skates and Portuguese Men of War should be identifiable by performing visual scans. Since some of these creatures rest on sea beds and ocean floors, always walk slowly and shuffle your feet. This will give sea life adequate time to move without having to step on them and both parties possibly becoming injured.

5) Whenever available, purchase aqua shoes and wear them while swimming. Mexico's waters contain sea urchins and cone shells that could possibly harm unprotected feet.

6) Always swim with a buddy. If something happens to either person, the remaining buddy can provide a thorough description and swimming account to authorities. They can also immediately contact the swimmer's family and inform medical personnel regarding any allergies or medical conditions; should the injured swimmer lose consciousness.