Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Ana Mula visited one of the drone teams.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Fuengirola.
Fuengirola’s Lifeguard Service has already demonstrated its superiority with the latest drone surveillance technology, which is among the most advanced in Spain.
In its eighth year of operation, this technology has been proven to be vital in accident prevention, water rescues and has made Fuengirola an example on the Costa del Sol, and throughout Spain.
In one month, 91 hours of flight and 573 interventions were made.
In July, four unmanned aerial vehicles patrolled the coastline of Fuengirola. They logged a total 91 hours in flight and conducted 573 safety-related intervention. Over 90% of these actions focused on monitoring, prevention and ensuring safe bathing conditions by comprehensive oversight.
The contractor Aeromedia began the drone service on July 15 and it covers four strategic coastal locations. The drones have proven to be essential within just two weeks in detecting and responding to risks.
Lifesaving Innovation
Ana Mula, Fuengirola’s mayor, has praised the town for its early adoption of drones in beach rescue operations. This was eight years ago. Fuengirola, she stated at a recent presentation of a report, “remains a leader for innovation and beach safety.” This season, an entirely dedicated drone booth was built, improving working conditions for the operators and ensuring that aircraft are in good repair and ready to respond to emergencies.
Drones – eyes in the skies, helping in rescues
The drones are not just for surveillance. They have also saved lives in multiple emergencies. In July they carried out six rescue missions. The drones were used for locating struggling swimmers, and then deployed floating life-saving buoys to keep swimmers safe while rescue teams arrived. Mula says that drones are essential for a rapid response when a situation is critical.
A further 22 percent of drone interventions were aimed at preventing incidents by identifying dangerous behaviours or conditions. The proactive approach optimised other rescue resources like boats and jet-skis.
As part of a larger safety plan
Fuengirola’s beach safety plan includes a drone surveillance system. The plan also includes 55 lifeguards (plus 14 beach monitors) and a specialised police summer unit, which will ensure safety in the water and on land.
Fuengirola beaches are among the safest on the continent thanks to the massive manpower and technological deployment.
