The impacts of large waves associated with the dissipated Hurricane Erin will continue to cause hazardous marine and coastal conditions this Tuesday.

Meteorologist David Sánchez, of the National Weather Service (SNM), told El Nuevo Dia that a warning remains in effect for the possibility of breaking waves of between seven and 11 feet.

According to the federal agency, the areas most vulnerable to breaking waves and coastal erosion include Piñones along Highway 187, Suárez, Villas del Mar and Villa Christiana parcels in Loíza; Fortuna, in Luquillo; Pueblo and Tamarindo, in Aguadilla; Barrio Obrero, Pueblo and Jareaito, in Arecibo; Las Bocas, in Barceloneta; Machuca, in Manatí; Puerto Nuevo, in Vega Baja; and Ocean Park, in San Juan.

In addition to this danger, there is a high risk of sea currents for beaches north to the east, including Vieques and Culebra.

“Hazardous conditions should continue until at least tomorrow morning.We urge beachgoers to visit southern beaches and avoid northern beaches," he reiterated.

Small boat operators should also exercise caution in the face of six to eight foot swells in offshore waters.

On Sunday, several incidents were reported on the beaches of Loíza, Dorado and between Manatí and Vega Baja of people drowning or being swept out to sea.

A tourist who was in the area of the rocks of Mar Chiquita beach, in Manatee, was swept away by the waves. The body of Marvin Dones Arroyo, 40, a resident of New York state, was recovered Monday morning. A man also was swept away by currents and died, despite being rescued by authorities, at Chatarra Beach in Loíza.

In Dorado, near the Vista del Mar condominium, a surfer practicing the sport was also swept away by the currents; the search continues this Tuesday.

According to preliminary data provided by the Institute of Forensic Sciences (ICF), as of August 25 of this year, 21 drowning deaths have been reported in Puerto Rico. Of that number, only one corresponds to a woman, while the rest of the victims were men.

ICF statistics reveal that the most affected group are people between 60 and 69 years of age, with seven reported cases. In addition, most of the incidents occurred on beaches.

In terms of geographic distribution, Naguabo, Cayey and Añasco have registered two deaths each. Other municipalities such as San Juan, Salinas, Rincón, Ceiba, Culebra and Vieques, among others, have reported at least one death from this cause.

Meteorologist Sánchez added that today is also shaping up to be a hot day, so the agency issued a heat warning, which will be extended from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for all coastal municipalities.

“People who are sensitive to heat try to seek shade, take breaks and stay hydrated. Today, we’re also going to have haze from the Sahara dust, which is also going to contribute to the heat sensation,” he explained.

Even so, he pointed out that the passage of a tropical storm to the south of the island could bring humidity to the region.