Salou and other Costa Daurada beaches were the focus of protests on 11 June, as lifeguards displayed banners calling for “a law that regulates our beaches”. The action comes as beaches fill with visitors ahead of summer across Catalonia.
The sector is asking the Catalan government to commit to a new regional Lifeguard Law. Lifeguards say it should address precarious working conditions and staff shortages, which they argue affect safety along the coast.
Protests have also taken place elsewhere on Catalonia’s coastline, including in front of the Palau de la Generalitat in Barcelona, the seat of the Catalan government. The workers want officials to move ahead with the proposed law.
According to lifeguards, many beaches are understaffed as the summer season approaches and visitor numbers rise. They say a new law would standardise training, improve employment terms and help ensure enough staff are on duty to protect beachgoers.
For more on local public issues in Catalonia, see our news coverage.
