Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Three Benalmadena surf lifeguards swapped rescue duties with rubbish collection to launch an important challenge. The paddleboard journey combines a community clean up along the coast with a challenging beach clean.
Who is behind the challenge
Victor Lopez Ruz has more than 25 years experience as a lifeguard. He has worked with Aleksandar Levok & Mateo Castelloti in order to create the two-part plan. The three lifeguards, who all work in Benalmadena as rescuers, decided to take action after observing how some tourists treated the sea carelessly this summer. Lopez says that many residents and visitors complained about the condition of the beaches in Malaga.
Dates to put in your diary
On Saturday, September 26, a community cleanup will be held at Playa Fuente de la Salud, Benalmadena. Anyone can participate, just grab a bag, and get started. Then, on Saturday, 10 October, three lifeguards will take to the waters on a paddleboard, backed up by two kayaks to cover 40 kilometers between Benalmadena & Marbella. They will rotate between the kayaks and the rescue paddleboard for an 8-10 hour period, while removing plastic debris from the water.
Drowning figures increase urgency of mission
The missions are just as concerned with safety as they are about cleanliness. Lopez pointed to Andalucia’s grim summer toll, with 43 drowning deaths recorded between June and August according to the Real Federacion Española de Salvamento y Socorrismo. Benalmadena’s team performed close to 200 rescues during the same time period.
Why the most people possible should get involved
Anyone who lives on the Costa del Sol will tell you how beautiful these beaches are. They play a huge role in people’s everyday life, be it a morning walk, an evening swim or a stunning view from their terrace. The September clean-up is free and a good way to help the community. Visit Vikingo Lopez’s FaceBook page for more information and updates
