Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
The summer beach-rescue operation in Torremolinos, Málaga, concluded on 30 September with a remarkable safety record: zero fatalities across the entire season, despite nearly 700 incidents handled by the specialised coastal rescue service.
The Rescue and Lifeguard Service, which operated from 1st June to 30th September, recorded 692 interventions during those months. The most common calls involved wounds (217), jellyfish stings (162), and spinefish injury (34).
In total, 47 water rescues were executed by the team – all resulting in safe outcomes with no drownings or serious casualties. During the summer, 592 medical transports were made to health centers for further evaluation.
A notable highlight of the season was the inclusion of 393 operations tied to accessible bathing points for persons with disabilities – an indication of efforts toward inclusive beach safety.
Safety is paramount
Torremolinos’ rescue plan was extensive. Around 40 professionals deployed with 11 fixed observation points equipped with first aid as primary watchespoints. A fleet of vehicles included two jetskis, an aquatic rescue vessel, and a site ambulance.
Two permanent infirmary posts were also established, with each one staffed by qualified nurses and equipped with first aid equipment. Rapid intervention vehicles stocked with essential medical supplies were used to respond to emergency calls.
In order to improve coordination and increase awareness, the service operated a video surveillance system in real time across the beaches. This allowed monitoring both the crowd levels and the sea conditions. The municipal service, in an effort to improve accessibility, also launched a wristband system that is free for minors and those with disabilities.
The flags of sea states were also designed with identifiers for people who have colour blindness, so that everyone can understand the hazard signals.
Thank you to everyone involved
The Council Beach Department expressed gratitude to the beach operators and sunbed rental businesses who helped maintain calm during a busy summer.
We’re finishing the special lifeguard service and we’re doing so with the best of news, with no deaths on our coast,” said the Councilor for Beaches, who praised “the work done by the safety team implemented this summer, whose hard work and dedication have contributed to the successful bathing season.”
The mix of traditional lifeguard coverage, medical readiness, surveillance, inclusivity features and technological support seems to have paid off — in no small part because the season ended without tragedy.
As the region prepares for next year, local authorities will certainly assess lessons learned, particularly in managing common incidents like stings and minor injuries, while keeping that key metric – no lives lost – at the heart of their mission.
