“Solmáforos”, or UV warning traffic lights on Benalmadena beaches

Benalmadena in Spain has a different colour for the danger signal on the beach. It’s not red. It’s purple!

The WHO’s five-level scale indicates that this shade represents a “high” level of risk from ultraviolet (UV). This summer, Benalmadena’s coastline will introduce innovative devices called “solmáforos” to display these warnings.

Benalmedena Council has launched a tender for the supply and installation of 20 solar-powered “solmáforos” across nearly all of the town’s beaches. The deadline for bids is July 17. Installation should be completed in 25 days so that devices can be used this summer.

Powered by solar panels and equipped with lithium batteries, the “solmáforos” will continuously display the UV radiation risk levels based on the WHO scale: green for low, yellow for moderate, orange for high, red for very high, and purple for extreme. Solmáforos were first introduced to the Costa del Sol in Fuengirola back in 2023.

The “solmáforos” will enable beachgoers to make informed decisions about sun exposure and reduce associated health risks. The devices will be installed at Carvajal, Tajo de la Soga, La Morera, La Perla, Playa Bonita, Arroyo Hondo, Malibú, La Viborilla, Benalnatura, La Yuca, Torrequebrada, Torrevigía, Los Melilleros, Arroyo de la Miel, El Bil Bil, Santa Ana, Las Gaviotas, Malapesquera, Torrebermeja, and Fuente de la Salud beaches.