update on dogs and La Ropa blue flag

Hey Carrie, it is definitely a bummer. But in the past month I haven't had any new incidents like I described in this thread. A couple times the beach minders approached us, but they were polite and I have decided on those rare days to just walk elsewhere. I have never seen the guys in uniform again, and I have never seen the Dept of Ecologica guy in jeans again (who was the real jerk).

The thing I have realized is that no one who has said anything to me knows anything detailed about Blue Flag rules or the difference between Federal Zone and municipal laws -- or if they do, they don't acknowledge it. They certainly aren't going to have a logical discussion about it. All they will say is dogs are not allowed on the beach, period. That is the rule. It's on the website (it's not). No, no, you are wrong. Etc, etc. That was my mistake, trying to rationalize or prove something (in poor espanol) to someone in the moment whose only intent is to enforce their view. All that accomplishes is to get me worked up and ruin my day. So I have decided to either retreat and avoid, or just ignore them... depends on how I feel that day. And know that it will all be back to normal the next day.

Yes, Blue Flag rules can be flexible, and I would support an effort to get Zihua to consider that. I've also researched and know that Blue Flag rules are only supposed to apply when the flag is flying, which I have NEVER seen here. Probably because they do not consistently do all the other things they are supposed to in order to fly the flag, such as have lifeguards, post water quality numbers, have bathrooms open, and have trash/recycling cans out. From what I have heard, they only do those things when getting re-certified. Which tells me the Blue Flag thing is really a red herring... it might be the justification for the municipal rules they try to enforce, but it is not what they are really enforcing. Which also tells me that trying to get the Zihua Blue Flag rules relaxed is not likely to get real engagement. I would love to be proven wrong about that.

(edited from my original post) Feel free to message me for more details about how I've handled having a dog here in Zihua. Just know it is not an existential challenge. I doubt you will have any problems watching sunsets with your girl.

Will keep an eye out for you, but Ray Ray is a dog reactive rescue, so it might just be a wave at first and we can chat another time when he is not around. If you see a guy with a black dog turn around and walk away, or intensely trying to distract him, that is me.