Panama’s National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) has launched a major national safety operation for the 2026 dry season. The agency deployed more than 456 response units across 35 strategic points nationwide this week to protect tourists and residents in high-traffic recreational areas.
Operacion Guardianes 2026, Phase 1, focuses on beaches, rivers, resorts, and mountain trails where visitor numbers surge during the seasonal break. Officials confirmed sixteen tourist trails and nineteen aquatic recreation sites now have permanent monitoring teams in place. The operation aims to prevent accidents and provide rapid emergency response throughout the holiday period and coming months.
“This operation sends a clear message of security to the population. We will be present at different points across the country to address any situation that arises on beaches, resorts, rivers, and trails,” said Sinaproc Director Omar Smith. [Translated from Spanish]
Smith emphasized the coordinated nature of the effort. He noted it is not an isolated initiative but involves multiple national agencies working in unison. Active participants include the National Border Service (Panama), the National Aeronaval Service, the Land Transit and Transportation Authority, the Panama Maritime Authority, and the Fire Department. This inter-institutional framework is designed to pool resources and expertise for maximum coverage.
Nationwide Coverage and Preventive Measures
Vigilance and guidance operations are active in nine provinces. These include Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro, Veraguas, and the coastal areas of Panama and Panama Oeste. Specialized personnel are also stationed on mountain trails and high-traffic ecological paths to prevent hikers from getting lost.
The preventive component features a visible flag system at beaches and resorts. Green, yellow, and red flags provide real-time warnings to visitors about water conditions, guiding them toward responsible decisions. Simultaneously, Sinaproc’s 24-hour Emergency Operations Center remains on constant alert, monitoring for any incident that could endanger public safety.
“The trails and beaches are there; we are the ones who arrive to protect the population,” Director Smith stated, underscoring the proactive mission of the deployment. [Translated from Spanish]
Authorities reiterated their call for citizens to respect safety rules and heed instructions from field personnel. They stressed that prevention remains the key to a safe dry season. The public can report emergencies by calling 911 or contacting the direct lines of the various security agencies. This network is part of the broader National Civil Protection System (Panama) framework.
Public Advisory and Ongoing Coordination
Director Smith concluded with direct advice for the public. He urged anyone visiting bodies of water to check weather conditions beforehand, consult with local residents, and thoroughly evaluate risks before entering. “The key is to identify the risk before intervening and to stay alert to any situation that may arise,” he said. [Translated from Spanish]
The launch of Operacion Guardianes reflects a standardized approach to seasonal risk management. It mirrors protocols used in other national security contexts, such as those managed by the country’s servicio nacional for border and maritime incidents. The initiative also demonstrates how Panama’s sistema nacional agencies can mobilize quickly for large-scale public safety campaigns.
This phase one deployment sets the stage for continued monitoring. Officials confirm the operation will remain active as long as seasonal conditions and tourist influx demand a heightened safety presence across the nation’s popular destinations.