Costa Blanca councils issue summer safety advice and launch community initiatives

Councils across the Costa Blanca are stepping up their summer campaigns with a mix of public safety initiatives, environmental reminders and free community activities. From an unusual reptile alert in Sax and new road safety measures in San Miguel de Salinas to wildfire prevention in Benijofar and family sports sessions in Orihuela Costa, local authorities are encouraging residents and visitors to stay safe while making the most of the summer months.

Sax police appeal after crocodilian sighting

Sax Local Police are asking residents to be on the lookout after reports of what appears to be a young caiman or crocodilian spotted in the municipality.

The unusual appeal has been issued as officers work to locate the animal and ensure it can be captured safely.

Anyone who sees the reptile is being urged not to approach it. Instead, they should immediately call the emergency services on 112 or contact Sax Local Police so trained officers can respond.

Police say public cooperation is essential and are asking people to report any sightings as quickly as possible to help track the animal’s movements.

Although the reptile shown in the police notice appears to be relatively small, officials are reminding the public that wild animals can behave unpredictably if frightened or cornered.

Residents are also being asked to keep children and pets away from the animal if they come across it and to leave its capture to the emergency services.

Anyone with information can contact Sax Local Police on (+34) 96 696 83 50 or (+34) 676 486 535, or call 112 in an emergency.

Educational speed radar installed in San Miguel de Salinas

Drivers passing through San Miguel de Salinas will now see an instant reminder of how fast they are travelling thanks to a new educational speed radar installed on Ronda Oeste.

The device has been introduced by the Town Hall to improve road safety and encourage motorists to stick to the 30 km/h speed limit along the road.

Unlike conventional speed cameras, the radar does not issue fines. Instead, it displays each vehicle’s speed in real time as it approaches, allowing drivers to immediately see whether they are within the legal limit.

The council says the aim is to encourage safer driving and reduce the risk of accidents without relying on enforcement measures.

Benijófar reminds residents of summer fire ban

Benijófar Town Hall is reminding residents and visitors that lighting fires is strictly prohibited in and around forest areas throughout the summer as part of measures to reduce the risk of wildfires.

The ban remains in force until 15 October and applies to forest land, areas close to woodland, recreational sites and even designated barbecue areas.

With high temperatures and dry conditions increasing the danger of fires, the council is urging everyone to act responsibly and follow the restrictions.

The reminder has been issued by Benijófar Local Police, who stress that preventing wildfires is a shared responsibility and that public cooperation is essential to protect the local environment.

The council is asking people to avoid any activity that could spark a fire and to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately to the emergency services.

The message forms part of the municipality’s annual summer fire prevention campaign, which runs during the period of highest wildfire risk across the Valencian Community.

Officials say respecting the restrictions is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent potentially devastating fires during the summer months.

Free summer sports return to Orihuela Costa

Families in Orihuela Costa can stay active this summer with the return of the free Summer Sports programme, offering outdoor activities for both children and adults throughout July and August.

The programme includes 18 sessions held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Each session features sports and fitness activities for adults, alongside games and fun activities for children, giving the whole family the chance to take part together.

The programme moves to a different location each week. Sessions will be held at Parque D. José Morejón Verdú in Campoamor from 20 to 24 July, Playa Flamenca Esplanade from 27 to 31 July, Cabo Roig Calisthenics Park from 3 to 7 August, Cala Cerrada Gardens in La Zenia from 10 to 14 August, the gardens next to Campoamor Marina from 17 to 21 August, before returning to Playa Flamenca Esplanade from 24 to 28 August.

The activities are free, but places are limited to 50 adults and 50 children at each session.

Advance booking is required and can be completed online at eventoslzd.com/orihuelasummersports26 or by scanning the QR code on the official event posters.