ZOCO SURFING ADVENTURES

SURFING HOLIDAYS IN MEXICO, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION

The summertime heat in Baja California can be quite extreme. Plan your time in the sun according to local custom i.e. don't go out in the middle of the day, take a siesta like the Mexicans. Get an early morning surf session in, take a break during the middle of the day and go for another session in the late afternoon/evening. If you will be driving throughout the Peninsula make sure your car’s up to it, especially your air conditioning.

GUNS, DRUGS & GUNG-HO DRIVING

In Mexico, the possession of firearms, exposed or concealed, is against the law and carries a mandatory jail sentence. It’s a federal crime for anyone to bring into México:
• Firearms, cartridges, bullet clips, explosives, chemical substances associated with weapons, ammunition, munitions, and other weapons.( Unauthorized buying and selling of such items in México is a federal crime bearing severe penalties.)
• Narcotics and other street drugs

In contrast to North American law, in Mexico you are considered guilty until proven innocent. Even if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident you will be detained until you have paid a suitable fine or until you have proven your innocence.

SO, WHAT CAN I BE ARRESTED FOR WHILE IN BAJA CALIFORNIA ;-) ?

• Disturbing the peace or being a public nuisance.
• Drinking in public.
• Fighting.
• Nudity or immoral conduct.
• Use, production or sale of false documents.
• Possession, introduction, or use of any weapon.
• Possession, introduction or consumption of restricted drugs.
• Drunk driving or being under the influence of drugs.
• Causing an auto accident or injuring someone.

If you are arrested, you should call Tourist Assistance Hot Line 078 and ask them to notify the Consulate from your country. Consular officers can work to protect your legitimate interests. They can provide you with a list of local attorneys, contact your family or friends, money transfers, food and clothing to detention centers.

WATER

Be sure to keep an emergency supply of drinking water and shading in the car at all times in the event of a break down.

GREEN ANGELS

They will provide FREE road assistance to visitors in case of a vehicle malfunction while on Mexican highways. They also have a communication network with different government offices and offer basic tourist information. (Look for the green pick up trucks; they are constantly patrolling the highways and are there for you).

24/7 Baja California Highways Emergency Toll Free Numbers:
01 800 990 3900: Tijuana – Ensenada & El Hongo – La Rumorosa Toll Roads
01 800 888 0911: Tijuana – Tecate Toll Road
You can dial these numbers from any conventional or cell phone; they will direct emergency assistance to you including towing services to the nearest toll gate or mechanic in the area.

HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CARE

There are good medical facilities in Tijuana – especially in cardiology. The resident cardiologist for Hospital del Prado, Dra. Patricia Albanel, was the first physician to make use of cardiac stents in Mexico, and she was also Mother Teresa’s personal cardiologist.

The hospitals of Cabo San Lucas have quality care and are capable of handling moderate emergencies. The smaller popular destinations of Ensenada and San Felipe have small clinics that provide good care, but are only modestly equipped.

For more serious injuries we recommend that travelers go to either Tijuana or to San Diego in the US. If you become ill or injured while in La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, or San José del Cabo, you would have three choices of where to go: a San Diego Hospital, Hospital CIMA in Hermosillo or one of Guadalajara’s listed, five star hospitals. Hospital CIMA and the Guadalajara hospitals are the closest excellent facilities and, depending on your health insurance policy or lack thereof, are possibly more affordable than a trip to San Diego.

Travellers' Diarrhea (Montezuma's Revenge)

Studies have shown that up to 40% of all travelers to Mexico that stay at least one week will end up with diarrhea. Most public water systems in Mexico are contaminated with harmful bacteria. Bismuth Sulfate tablets taken four times a day can prevent most cases of diarrhea, Rifamixin (Normix) is effective in preventing 95% of all traveler’s diarrhea. And, there are few drug interactions or harmful side effects. The drug isn’t absorbed from the intestinal tract!

-source Robert H Page, MD and Curtis P Page, MD
Authors of MEXICO, Health & Safety Travel Guide

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