Barcelona lifeguards protest for more resources and better working conditions

Around fifty lifeguards gathered in Barcelona’s Plaça de Sant Jaume on World Drowning Prevention Day to demand increased staffing, climate‑adapted work hours and official recognition as health‑care workers. They argue that recent drownings – 24 deaths in Catalonia since June, including 13 this summer – demonstrate the need for stronger prevention measures.

The protest, organised by the CGT union, cites a 2023 agreement with the Barcelona city council that extended both high‑ and low‑season periods, added staff and upgraded facilities, urging the same model to be applied throughout Catalonia. Demonstrators said they feel "desemparats" (abandoned) and warned against the "privatització del salvament i el socorrisme" (privatization of rescue services).