Drowning on playa palmar

Back when the buses were allowed to come out to Playa la Ropa, we really enjoyed watching the bus people. That term is not meant derogatorily, simply a convenient term.

Many of the people had never seen the ocean before, much less played in the waves. There was always a small percentage that didn't have bathing costumes and played in their clothes. Then, there would be those, often men, who would drink enough to get brave enough to get in the water, and periodically get in trouble.

Fortunately, drownings are less common in the bay because typically there is less wave action, and more people who are capable of lending a hand.

In our opinion, the issue is simply a case of never being exposed to the ocean, and visiting on an open ocean beach. It's a shame that people die because of their lack of experience and knowledge. Solution? There probably isn't one.