Red Cross lifeguards will use different procedures for beach rescues this year in Javea

JAVIER SERVER, the Red Cross’s Beaches coordinator, said Javea’s beaches would be an “open book” this summer.
The Red Cross has begun its campaign on Javea’s Arenal beach but the coronavirus crisis is forcing lifesavers to review normal procedures, Server said.
Formerly, he told the local Spanish media, lifesavers were faced with complicated rescues on cliffs, marine caves, inaccessible coves and had to come the aid of tombstoning divers.
“Arenal had one lifesaver post last year but will now have three as the cabins cannot be overcrowded,” he explained.
The Primer Muntanyar is now a pedestrianised promenade with another Red Cross post at the Benissero beach with a long section of rough stone which the lifeguards will cover by bike.
“That’s another innovation,” Server said. “An ambulance would have access for serious accidents but for minor injuries, bicycles will be more practical.”
Health and safety regulations must be rigorously observed, and it will be customary to see lifeguards with personal protective equipment (EPI), the coordinator added.
“We shall have to treat all swimmers rescued from drowning as potential Covid-19 cases,” Server said.