Lifeguards in Guardamar del Segura have declared a strike due to the poor management of the socialist government, which they claim jeopardises both their safety and that of beachgoers. The decision to strike was made following a meeting among lifeguards and other staff in the area. They are pressing for increased resources, more personnel, better service organisation, and payment of outstanding wages, impacting the coastal town during the height of the tourist season.

The situation for lifeguards has progressively worsened in recent times, with the Popular Party highlighting significant deficiencies in safety equipment, such as malfunctioning radios and insufficient vehicles. These issues have hindered communication and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies, raising alarm about the safety of both the public and the lifeguards themselves.

A major factor in the strike is the lack of personnel, which has been a critical issue for months, jeopardising the safety of swimmers and the lifeguards. Furthermore, the management of the lifesaving service by the socialist government has faced severe criticism for its inefficiency and for not addressing these pressing concerns, demonstrating a disregard for the implications of their decisions.

Support for the lifeguards has been voiced by Popular Party spokesperson, Marisol Gallud, who condemned the administration’s handling of the situation and its risk to public safety. She underscored the dire conditions faced by the lifeguards, noting that delays in wage payments severely impact their financial well-being, ultimately leading to the current strike.