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This is Maureen Webster's favorite photo of her son, Nolan, who drowned in a Cancun hotel pool in January 2007. PHOTO COURTESY: Maureen Webster
Note: This is the first of a three-part series of articles on the safety of travel to Mexico for Americans.
Maureen Webster just wants you to make an informed decision before you decide to travel to Mexico.
“We’re not out to destroy Mexico tourism,” the founder of Mexicovacationawareness.com says. “We’re out to educate people.”
Specifically, she hopes to alert tourists of the potential dangers of travel in Mexico, including murders, rapes, abductions, and drowning.
Mexico, she observes, “is not just the palm trees and the beautiful beaches.”
Webster hopes her efforts will help Americans avoid the fate of her son, Nolan, who drowned in Cancun on Jan. 7, 2007, just three weeks after graduating from the University of Massachusetts.
Nolan's story
Nolan Webster, 22, didn’t die wandering into the ocean in the middle of the night. He died, his mother says, in the middle of the afternoon in four-and-a-half feet of water in the Oasis Hotel swimming pool.
Maureen Webster blames herself for her own “ignorance” in suggesting Nolan go to Mexico with his girlfriend as a graduation gift. But, she notes, the vacation was booked with a reputable tour company through a respected travel agent.
“I’ve been there twice and I had fun,” Maureen adds. “It’s a fun place unless you run into a problem.”
Her son ran into several, according to the account of his tragedy posted on the website. The first was that no lifeguards were present at the pool. Two guests noticed Nolan’s difficulties and pulled him from the pool. A trauma nurse, a Canadian man, came to Nolan’s aid. He initiated life-saving efforts and asked hotel personnel to call an ambulance. But the ambulance took 30 minutes to arrive. Meanwhile, the hotel doctor refused to treat Nolan and wouldn’t allow the nurse access to emergency medical equipment. When the ambulance crew arrived, they placed a blanket over Nolan and pronounced him dead. His body would remain at the side of the pool for four hours.
Tragedy leads to website creation
Eleven months later, after a trip to Washington D.C. to talk to State Department officials and a fundraising event coordinated by Nolan’s girlfriend, Mexicovacationawareness.com went live.
“We didn’t want it to be too harsh of a name,” says Maureen. “We weren’t out for revenge.”
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A tourist sunbathes at the resort city of Cancun, Mexico in June. This is the image most Americans have of a Mexican vacation, but Maureen Webster warns that Mexico is "not just the palm trees and the beautiful beaches." (AP Photo/Israel Leal)
Nolan’s story is just one of many posted on the site.
“I’ve spoken to so many people that have had a tragedy,” Maureen says. “We have a unique bond -- a miserable bond. You just really can’t understand what it’s like to have a family member die in Mexico unless you’ve lived it.”
While each story deals with a unique individual, there are troubling similarities in many of the accounts.
“Every story is unique and tragic until you put a lot of the stories together and then it’s not unique,” Maureen observes.
A corrupt, unfeeling country?
One recurring theme in the stories is a lack of compassion on the part of Mexican authorities. Maureen says their attitude is “take your dead kid and get out of our country because you’re not good for business.”
Another is demands for bribes to offer assistance.
“Maybe if my son had a wallet in his bathing suit they would have done CPR,” Maureen says. “If you don’t have any money, you’re not going to get the help you need, and that’s a shame.”
Mexico Tourism reacts
The website has not gone unnoticed by Mexican tourism officials.
“She links several things that have no relationship,” says Eduardo Chaillo, director of the Mexico Tourism Board in North America. “I think good things also have to be [on the website].”
Webster met with Chaillo and an official from the Chicago office of Mexico tourism in September.
“They both flew up to Boston and talked to us about the website,” she recalls. “We’re not good for business.”
Webster took the opportunity to confront Chaillo.
“I had the Mexican laws,” she says. “There are Mexican laws that are not being followed and he admitted they are not being followed.”
She said Chaillo promised he would pass on the information to Mexican authorities.
“I didn’t expect anything positive to come out of it and I haven’t seen anything positive come out of it,” she says. “People are still drowning at alarming rates.”
Chailo’s recollection of the meeting is somewhat different. He says he and other Mexican officials have been working with Webster to better inform state authorities in Mexico about the problems encountered by American travelers.
“The good news is we have a new federal law giving the Ministry of Tourism more authority within the other ministries,” he notes. “We were in that process when I met Mrs. Webster.”
Why do so many Americans die in Mexico?
Webster points out that 32 percent of all deaths of U.S. citizens abroad from non-natural causes occur in Mexico.
Chaillo counters that those incidents represent just .0001 percent of non-natural deaths in the country.
“Half of them have to do with drowning,” he adds. “Some of them have to do with alcohol-related accidents.”
He says more deaths happen in Mexico because of the sheer volume of U.S. visitors, 18 million annually.
“We are the No. 1 destination for Americans,” he says. “If you go to any place in the world… you have to take precautions.”
He says travelers should stick to tourist resorts.
“If you do so, you are completely safe in Mexico,” he says.
But staying in the resort didn’t save Nolan Webster.
“The night before Nolan left I said, ‘don’t leave the resort unless it’s with a tour group,’” Maureen Webster remembers. “I always had that false sense that you were safe in the resort.”
In Part Two of this series, we'll examine more closely the potential dangers of travel to Mexico.
Comments
Why did Nolan (RIP) have trouble in the first place, that would be useful to determine if there were any previous mistakes from his side.
If we are in a pool, we must make sure we are in good shape, not fooling around, especially if we notice there is no lifeguard.
Yes, people in Mexico take more responsibility for their actions and depend less on "Big Brother" to take care of them. We aren't always looking for guilty parties beyond ourselves.
On the other hand, I do find it useful to have a site that informs users from these overprotecting countries so they can get used to taking a bit more care of themselves in the rest of the world.
Regarding statistics, don't be foolish, if Mexico is the #1 destination for US travelers, then OBVIOUSLY Mexico will also be the #1 location for non-natural deaths for US citizens. The attitude visitors take when traveling here also makes them easier victims, drinking a lot, eating a lot, partying, even drugs, all contribute to this grim sta
The point of this article certainly was not to suggest that Americans should expect to act irresponsibly without consequences. However, even if they do, surely you're not suggesting they should be denied basic medical attention.
I don't know all the circumstances behind Nolan's death and I'm not sure anyone does, since he was never officially examined.
With respect to statistics, it's not necessarily obvious that Mexico would lead in non-natural deaths. Canada, the second-most visited foreign country, had fewer deaths than countries with far fewer visitors.
A close friend of mine drowned at our local rec center pool a few years. the lifeguard had left his post, and my friend had dived head-first into shallow water and broken his neck.
Does that mean I should make a website warning against rec centers in the USA? I understand the need for awareness, but freak accidents should be called what they are: freak. This is not Mexico's fault.
Justin you are a stupid person. Mexico is the scum of the earth and they do not like USA. Wait untill something happens to your familly there. YOU ARE DUMB.
This article is very well written. This Mr. Chaillo's comments are notable..."travelers should stick to tourist resorts, if you do so, you are completely safe in Mexico". We still remember the horrible story of Brent Midlock and his family who stayed at a tourist resort a few years ago. The kid didn't do anything wrong but ended up dead.
Mexico is certainly a place where one should not go if you want a "mommy state". People in Mexico are responsible for themselves ! This mom is mad because there wasnt a lifeguard? A prime example of forcing an American way on the Mexican culture! I for one dont want or expect Mexico to provide all the services you might see in Mexico. If you want the " American culture" then stay in America !!
Morjya you are one dumb mother f***er. I wish we could just blow up scum mexico of the planet.
All you loosers want is to steal are money. I hope you die of looser!!!!!!!!!
The problem with Mexico is not people being responsible for their own actions. The scary thing here is that in Mexico, medical attention is almost non-existent. This young kid could have lived and been fine if he was properly treated. Not only did the hotel NOT provide him with the proper medical attention, they refused to let other people (tourists at the hotel who was a nurse)work on him. That is the big issue and the scary part here. This mother is trying to save lives by warning people that if something does happen to you in Mexico, the chances of survival there are quite slim compared to America. And as far as the deaths go, apparently you all are not paying attention because it goes by PERCENTAGE! So it doesn't matter if more people visit Mexico. It matters that if 10 people go to Mexico they have a higher chance of death than if 10 people go to Canada. Mexico is more dangerous even if you stay at the resort. Go to this website and read all the stories before you assume.
In regards to the comment of forcing America down Mexico's throat. My wife and I flew into Xtapa on Christmas day. We go to a point break north of there by about 2.5 hours driving. We get past a industrial town of Peticalcal and have two Mexican men pass us, dangerously, with on coming traffic. Being careful, hence applying the breaks, they cross back into our lane, almost knocking us off the road, then proceed to block the road and get out with Ak 47's, telling us to get out of the car. By this time I'm in reverse going 40 mph. We go back to Peticalcal federal police station and they agree to give us an escort to The Next town's police station. About where the attempted car jacking happened I see the young Mexican men driving back towards Peticalcal. I pull over the Federal police car and tell them that those were the guys with the machine gun. They proceed to tell me that "What we are doing is getting you to the next police station." Regardless of my many years in Mexico, I am considering anywhere except Mexico for my next vacation. So sometimes it isn't about being responsible for you actions, it's about reaction.
Working as a hotel manager in Mexico, this web site means we should look for our properties to be as safe as possible, to be prepared to take care of our guests (regardless of the country they are visiting us from). But I also hope this information makes travelers aware they have to be careful when traveling, accidents might happen in any country. My deepest sympathy for the people who have lost a family member in Mexico. Regarding dealing with the authorities in Mexico, believe me most of the Mexicans try everyday to make Mexico a better country, it will get some time but I am sure we will get there. We are the most interested in having better laws and better authorities.
Morjya seems to think that American's who travel want a "Mommy State!" Nolan's Mom was mad that there was SUPPOSED to be a lifeguard on duty...he drown and was denied medical attention. If provided, he may still be here. Is forcing the American culture to expect medical attention, and to have regard for human life? If Morjya's attitude is that of most Mexican's, American's will stay home or go some country that respects human life. I'm sick of people thinking Americans force our values on them. They are the first people to hold out there hand to accept our money, but hate us! We are the most diversified nation in the world, so how do we force our culture?
Justin misses the point entirely. Accidents happen in the US, but EMT's respond within minutes. THAT'S the difference. This is not the case in Mexico, medical help is nonexist, and the person who could be saved isn't. Nolan's Mom is promoting awareness of the situation in Mexico....
The whole point of this article is to bring the dangers and lack of basic life saving efforts by those responsible for it.What is another Gringos life when Mexico had 6 thousand murders in 08 according to official sources.Mexico is not new to me.I have travelled up and dowb the west coast and also the Gulf Coast including Cancun.As a matter of fact my son(Age 44)drowned not too long ago at Playa del Carmen.My son was as straight as an arrow ,he had two masters degrees and a bachelor of science.He had a little daughter and a wife.One can not imagine the pain one feels at the loss of his only son.The details of his drowning are too much for me to explain but please note that the abscence of lifeguards contributed to his death.You may also note that since the beginning of the year up to mid April 09,7 drownings occured.That is about two a month.Can someone explain why this should happen?To those who think we are just a bunch of cry babies please go to Playa del Carmen and enjoy the swim.
how does a healthy active college grad.. drown in a 4.5 feet deep pool??? how does this happen?
again how did ur son drown??? such an educated man according to you but apparently he should have taken some swimming classes... Am i wrong???
You are a looser. Shut your pie hole and go for a swim and drown PLEASE!
I just got the news that my aunt took her grandkids to cancun mexico, and one of the grandchild drowned in the hotels swimming pool yesturday,tuesday august,1st.What is going on?
correction:Tuesday,September 1st,not August 1st
This mother's anger should be directed at herself. Every son/daughter should be taught how to dog paddle 10 feet to the edge of a pool OR they should be emphatically taught to STAY OUT. This is derelict parenting. Mexico does not believe in ambulance chasing attorneys and a nanny state. On a personal level they are a very free country- like we were in the 1950s. American youth who vacation in Mexico tend to drink alcohol out-of-control and that is their problem and results in a lot of accidents. A person can die without oxygen in 6 minutes so unless there is a life guard- calling an ambulance will not work. Maureen has now taken her misdirected anger and extrapolated it to all of Mexico's social problems. I have lived and traveled in Mexico my whole life; sure there are dangers just as here. With common sense it is very safe and the people friendly and helpful. We have 14,000 gun homicides a year and too many drug over doses to count.
Did you read the article? When help came the doctor of the resort forbid the young man to get it. Yes, it might have been the young man's fault for drinking too much but to deny him medical care? To allow him to die? That is the horror and evil here. Please read the whole thing.
Charles you need to remain in scum bag Mexico and live your life there. You are not american, but a wet back scum bag. Hope you drown in Mexico you looser!
Wow! is it that hard to figure out mexico is a third world country? what do you expect, we are use to being coddled in the united states, don't go to a country you feel might not be safe, we cannot impose our ridiculous values on life that we have here in the united states on other countries that are still growing, after being in the u.s. military for years I have seen alot and americans are use to being taken care of like babies, as far as the ladies grandchild who drowned in mexico, where the hell was she? shouldnt she have been watching her own grandchild, instead of expecting society to do a job she should have.
Tom you are a discrace to the US Military and should be court marshaled. We the U.S. people do not want you here get out Mexico lover. I would love to kick your ass looser!
Mexico is beyond dangerour right now, my own son age 25 has been missing from there and presumed dead. His name is Kyle Belanger, a US american, non-hispanic. email jazzdame@gmail.com if you know anything of his disappearance.
The last place to go for me would be Cancun. A Dutch guy is in jail there because he messed with the son of a local politician. Even thou the Dutch guy was attacked, he was thrown in jail within a couple of days and is still there, in spite of witnesses and a video that proves his innocence. Look for Free Bronkhorst Cancun and you can find the complete information.
wrong - I have lived, and I mean lived, not merely existed...in Cancun for 15 years and I am alive and strong. If you witnessed as I do, living full time in a resort, the way the kids behave when they come down here, you would freak out. We cannot tolerate their behavior at spring break, and any other break . Others dont want to come here, People dont go hog wild in Canada when they visit and that is why there are fewer deaths there.
Period.
You can read my entire story on the website. My husband became ill in Mexico, after one drink he was "intoxicated" to the point of being neurologically impaired. His drink was tainted We were taken out of our "safe" resort "Dreams-Cancun" through a service elevator. Upon arrival at the hospital he was not treated until I handed over a credit card and $5,000.00 was charged up front. I also had to sign a document (while under emotional distress) that pretty much said we would pay whatever they charged. I am an ICU nurse and although my husband was better by the following day, the physician at Hospiten Cancun wanted to keep him another 2 days, why? Because our insurance would pay for three days. He was put in an ICU, I was told I could not stay or I would be charged for staying. I went back to the resort in a cab in the middle of the night and I am damn lucky to be able to tell my story today. No one expects bad things to happen on vacation, but if you travel to Mexico, good luck.
I only have to wonder, was this boy was WASTED?? Hello!
and about the kids that drown... where are their parents?? Are you not watching your children?
Maxine Shut the F**K up looser. You dont know S**T. I hope you dont live in the great USA. If I met you I would slap your face.
I just want to warning you about this tour called bar leaping tour and party hopper tour in cancun, they sale drugs for kids inside the tour, my wife and me we bought the tour trew our travel agency and the rep said that this will be the best way to go on the discos but at the city we saw that the guides from the tour the were offering drugs to the kids and also the service was really bad!! they screw our vacations with this...make sure your kids know that and don`t take this tour cuz when i asked about it in the hotel they said that the owner is involved with the drugs...WARNING!!!!!
While studying in Mexico City, I was kidnapped. Along with a fellow student from Berkley, I was taken from Zona Rosa in downtown Mexico City. We had had a meeting with an Assistant District Attorney in the Zona Rosa. We had not had anything to drink and were fully aware of the dangers of Mexico City. When time to go back to our hotel, we were catching a cab and the ADA encouraged us to use this certain cab, not one that we felt comfortable with. However, because we trusted this ADA, we agreed. A few minutes later, two armed men jumped into the cab. Pistol whipped my friend and took us out into the country to rape and kill us. We were fortunately able to escape. The next day, the ADA (who had the cab's license plate number) refused to help unless we paid him. The kidnappers had my passport, money and even my shoes. It took two weeks to get a visa to get back into the US. The Embasy was of very little help! Please be careful.
I have been planning on taking one of my sons and my 3 yr old granddaughter to cancun in a few weeks for the first time.To a hotel that has been mentioned.Thank you I will NEVER go to cancun!!!This may have saved ur lives!!!My GOD bless all the people that lost loved ones!!
I was there the day Nolan died. I had actually talked to him at least 15 minutes prior to his drowning. He had probably had to much to drink but he was denied any medical care to save his life. My husband and nephew's wife (RN) were denied access to Nolan after he was removed to the side of the pool by security. This was one of the worst experiences I have ever seen!
I have a pool outside the place I live...3 families use it..one family left the sliding dddglass door open as usual the 3 and a half year old girl climbed up on the pool and fell into the water I got her out..no one knew she was there..it happens just like that...another was under water for 2 minutes before they got him out I understand 2 yrs before I got there..I helped to put restrictions up for everyone..the side of the pool is high..so no more climbing ..but here is what they said all of the mexicans..just let him or her die..it is not anyones responsibility but the parents..luckily the Italian owner felt the same as I do horrified and I being Italian agreed ...there is no negligence here for drownings evidently...there needs to be a paramedical course...they need american book stores they need a phone book easy to find and read...Cancun has Casinos brand new but no one can find them ...So many things need to be done....I live here though and love it better than anywhere else and I am a spoiled American in as much as I need a/c and nice things....It is just that we need more americans concerned and it can change..Lifeguards from Miami should come and teach a course...
My husband and I went out on a double kayak, we looked for lifejackets where we were staying, but there was only children's lifejackets. We weren't out very far from Tankah Shores condominium and the kayak turned over and we both fell out. We could not reach the kayak and we were separated by the waves. My husband did
not make it back alive. It took me hours to get back. Our friends where we were staying saw the kayak come
back without us and had the caregivers call the police for a rescue boat. It took a long time for them to arrive,
and when they did, they didn't find my husband or me. .My husband's body came to shore that evening, but he wasn't alive. This was so awful. I haven't really known what to do about warning people about the danger of the ocean in that area. I am glad to find a spot to share, in hopes it might help some other person from going kayaking or snorkeling for that matter without a lifejacket. Please be careful, I never thought this would happen.
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