Spain's coastal towns grapple with lifeguard shortages and contaminated beaches

In the Galician municipality of Mañón, socialist councilor Martín Rego warned that the town has no lifeguards on its beaches, with the few hired staff working only at the municipal pool in O Barqueiro. He said the lack of lifeguards jeopardises public safety and has prevented the town from regaining the coveted blue‑flag status for its beaches, which has been absent for more than fifteen years. Rego also highlighted poor access infrastructure and limited facilities for people with reduced mobility.

Meanwhile, in Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife, mayor Leopoldo Afonso and councilor David Hernández swam in Playa Jardín despite public‑health officials reporting high levels of E. coli bacteria. The officials had advised against keeping the beach open for bathing, but the officials staged the swim to reassure residents and tourists after a decline in beachgoers.

Both incidents illustrate local authorities’ contentious handling of beach safety and public‑health concerns in Spanish coastal communities.