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San Javier puts 77 lifeguards and rescue staff on the Mar Menor this summer
Lifeguards, kayaks and jet skis cover Santiago de la Ribera and La Manga beaches
San Javier has rolled out its summer beach safety operation with more than 77 staff now stationed along the municipality's coastline to keep swimmers safe.
Mayor José Miguel Luengo and Civil Protection Councillor Sergio Martínez visited the team this week and watched a rescue drill simulating the recovery of someone who'd fallen from a boat in the waters off Santiago de la Ribera.
Running from May 31 to September 30, the Plan Copla scheme brings together 50 lifeguards and 14 assistants supporting adapted bathing services, alongside boat skippers, coordinators and supervisors.
Lifeguards are stationed at 19 posts and 19 close-proximity lookout chairs along the beaches of Santiago de la Ribera and La Manga del Mar Menor, on duty from 11am to 7pm every day of the week. They're backed up by two jet skis, four rapid-response vehicles, two quads and six kayaks, among other equipment.Mayor Luengo wished the lifeguard teams a successful season and highlighted the accessibility features built into this year's plan, including six dedicated accessibility stations staffed by specialist personnel, equipped with 16 amphibious chairs, 20 aquatic crutches and two transfer hoists for those with significant mobility issues. He also praised the professionalism shown during several interventions where the team's quick action proved vital to keeping people safe.
Mr Martínez reported that since Plan Copla launched, staff have recorded 1,194 instances of assistance, with 80% involving general inquiries and aid for people with disabilities and 19% covering medical treatment and first aid.During the plan's first month there were two near-drowning incidents, one of which sadly ended in a fatality, along with five rescues linked to reckless behaviour in the water. Both the Mayor and Councillor Martínez used the update to urge beachgoers to take care and pay attention to the flags and instructions given by lifeguards.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist offices of San Javier (main contact number 661 572285) or go to the home page of San Javier Today.
