Lifeguards strike on Barcelona beaches in mid-season

Lifeguards working on the beaches of Barcelona in northeastern Spain have announced an indefinite strike, demanding better working conditions. According to media reports, a near-tragedy nearly occurred on one beach on Saturday because there was no lifeguard nearby.

An indefinite strike began on Friday, with rescue workers demanding better working conditions and higher wages, among other things. Protests are taking place in Sant Jaume Square, home to the city and regional government offices, where rescuers have set up umbrellas, towels, and banners.

Regional authorities have ordered a minimum service level of 50% on beaches, which ensures the operation of at least one lifeguard tower on the beach. Lifeguards themselves urge people to exercise extreme caution.

On Saturday, the ABC daily reported that a tragedy almost occurred on Mar Bella beach: a drowning person was saved by another beachgoer because there were no lifeguards in the nearby tower.

According to Spanish television Antena 3, 73 people drowned across the country in June; this brings the total number of drownings to over 210 since the beginning of the year. The rescue service on Barcelona's beaches consists of approximately 80 people. They warn that a lack of personnel and resources threatens the safety of beachgoers.

Marcin Furdyna from Madrid (PAP)

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