Better safe than sorry

FOLLOWING the recent spate of drownings off the Costa de Sol, Fuengirola council has decided to take action.

Most of the incidents have been caused by dangerous currents brought on by the westerly ‘levante’ winds, which have been particularly ubiquitous this summer.

In addition to the standard red flags warning beachgoers that it is not safe to enter the water, a new system using portable ‘sails’ will be employed when riptides are present.

Ten of the contraptions are now available for the municipal lifeguard service, making Fuengirola one of the Costa del Sol’s best-equipped resorts in terms of beach security.

They will be placed at strategic locations chosen by the chief lifeguard, depending on the prevailing conditions. 

Mayor Ana Mula stressed that bathers who ignore the flags, sails, and PA announcements advising of treacherous conditions do not only endanger their own lives, but also those of lifeguards who come to the aid of struggling swimmers.

“We must be aware of the importance of these signals, and it is absolutely necessary to respect them,” she said.