Xàbia lifeguards carried out more than 100 rescues during July

Tuesday 2nd August 2022 · Mike Smith
Source: Ajuntament de Xàbia

The beach surveillance and lifeguard service in Xàbia, carried out by the Cruz Roja, has taken stock of its intense activity during the first month of the summer, reporting that 104 people had to rescued from the sea during July, a higher figure than previous years which the organization attributes to the increased use of motorless floating devices, both by organized companies and by individuals, especially the increasing popularity of kayaks and paddle surf boards.

In total, 34 paddle surfers had to be rescued, 25 people from kayaks, 11 people from sinking vessels, and three from jet skis. Assistance was also provided to 24 people who suffered from serious seasickness or concussions on board vessels and to 12 bathers on the beach, barely 10% of the total number.

By areas, Portitxol-La Barraca (37) and La Granadella (26) were the most recurrent for rescues, followed by the Arenal (16), the area of En Caló-Cova del Llop Marí (15), Cap de Sant Antoni (5), Cala Blanca (2), the Primer Montañar (2) and a single rescue from La Grava.

In addition, 775 minor treatments were carried out at the aid stations on the beaches, searches were carried out for six missing people, whilst 48 transfers were made from the beach to the health centres.

The data suggest that the month of August, it is expected that the lifeguard service will be quite busy. Thus, the Department of Beaches has called for caution from both active tourism companies and individuals, especially those who lack the experience of the sea along the coast of Xàbia, and use official means to find out about the sea states, respect the advice of the lifeguards and the beach flags. In addition, a fully-charged mobile phone should be available to make any emergency calls as well as notify a relative or friend of the time of departure and return of their trip.