Spain’s oldest lifeguard is 72 and still swims 2km before work on the Costa del Sol

One 72-year-old lifeguard starts every day with a swim. Guillermo Lachica Pando is 72, but you certainly would not guess it watching him work on the Costa del Sol. The Buenos Aires-born lifeguard cycles around 10 kilometres to his job in Torrox Costa before starting a nine-hour shift watching over beachgoers.

His working day runs from 11.30am until 8.30pm, but Guillermo’s day starts much earlier. He heads into the Mediterranean and swims between one and two kilometres before getting on with his duties. “I do it for the love of the sea,” he says.

From Argentina to the beaches of Axarquia

Guillermo has worked as a lifeguard since 1977 after completing a year-long Red Cross course that included demanding training on beaches around the South Atlantic and Rio de la Plata.

Agricultural engineering was his profession, while the sea became his passion. He later became a yacht captain, competed in triathlons and swimming races, and even tackled Aconcagua mountain.

Family ties eventually brought him towards southern Spain. His grandmother came from Malaga, while his grandfather was from Rubite, giving Guillermo a strong connection with Andalucia.

Nine hours on the sand involve plenty of walking, constant observation and stepping in when swimmers take unnecessary risks. Guillermo says he has saved “some lives”, although thankfully not too many.

Triathlete still competing at 72

Age has done little to slow him down. Guillermo remains a federated triathlete and continues to compete in swimming crossings and running races. His advice for staying active is remarkably straightforward: exercise, rest and a healthy diet. Junk food has no place in his routine.

“I have never been an office person. I couldn’t stand it,” he says.

Keeping his qualifications up to date is also part of the job. Rescue procedures have changed over the years, so Guillermo regularly refreshes his training and maritime safety certificates.

Retirement does not appear to be on his radar. “The sea is my passion,” he says, adding that he is happy to spend his later years enjoying what he calls Europe’s best climate. S, if you happen to see Guillermo on your beach, know that you are in probably the safest hands on Torrox’s coastline.