Bad summer for jellyfish on Casares beach

JELLYFISH were responsible for 693 of the 819 incidents revealed in a report on lifeguards’ work in July and August on Casares beaches.

The report, presented by the service following the end of the official local bathing season, also revealed that while red flags were not flown once during the two-month period, white ones warning of the presence of jellyfish had to be flown on 44 of the 65 days lifeguards were on duty.

Other incidents reported included 10 sea rescues, six searches for missing people, 41 requests for removal of sea urchin spikes, 39 bumps and sprains, 10 insect stings, 11 allergic reactions and nine cases of heatstroke, with seven people taken for further treatment at medical centres.

After announcing the figures, Beaches Councillor Noelia Rodriguez praised the 13 people that make up the lifeguard team and thanked them for their work over the summer months.