Coastal authorities in Andalusia will penalize swimmers who disregard the red warning flags on the beach.
In a bid to foster a culture of risk, prevention, and responsibility, the Andalusian Government has announced several measures aimed at improving safety and emergency management across the region.
Last Wednesday, a coordination meeting was held between Antonio Sanz, the Counselor of the Presidency and Interior in Andalusia, and the director of the Andalusian Emergency Agency (EMA). The discussion centred around the updated Decree on self-protection, prevention, and risk reduction for the population.
Antonio Sanz highlighted that this updated Decree will be pioneering in Spain, setting a new standard for safety and emergency preparedness. The Decree will include a penalty system to reduce risks and raise awareness among citizens about emergency situations.
One of the key areas of focus will be the management of emergencies, with an investment of 17 million euros allocated for the Integral Plan for the Management of Emergencies (Pigea). This plan aims to improve the response to emergencies, particularly in the case of natural disasters such as heatwaves and drownings.
The number of drownings on beaches this summer has reached 63, a sobering statistic that underscores the need for improved safety measures. In response, Andalusia will impose fines on careless bathers and will introduce a penalty system for swimming in the sea with a red flag.
In addition, it will be mandatory to inform about safety measures in shows and activities, and Andalusian municipalities must have self-protection plans for pilgrimages or processions with more than a hundred people or that cover more than ten kilometers.
The updated Decree will also include telematic registration of local emergency plans, making it easier for emergency services to access crucial information in the event of an emergency.
Work is being done to integrate all the municipalities of Andalusia into the 112 emergency system, ensuring a swift and effective response to emergencies across the region.
In an effort to disseminate awareness campaigns, an agreement has been announced with Radio and Television of Andalusia (RTVA). This partnership will help to reach a wider audience and promote the importance of safety and prevention.
As the Decree is updated, the objective is to adapt to the Andalusian reality, ensuring that the measures put in place are effective and relevant to the needs of the region and its people.
While there is no publicly available information about a developer of a new law in Andalusia concerning self-protection, prevention, and risk reduction with penalties for "lazy bathtub users," it is clear that the Andalusian Government is taking decisive action to improve safety and emergency management in the region.
