A swimmer who ignored red flag warnings at a beach in Cadiz province is facing a fine of up to €3,000 after having to be rescued from rough seas.
The incident was made all the more serious after one of the lifeguards was left needing hospital treatment.
The drama unfolded on Saturday afternoon at Santa Barbara beach in La Linea de la Concepcion, where strong Levante winds and dangerous currents had already prompted authorities to ban swimming.
Despite the red flag flying along the coastline and prior warnings from beach staff, a man believed to be around 40 years old entered the water.
At around 5.45pm, lifeguards spotted the swimmer struggling around 100 metres from shore and launched an emergency rescue operation.
Four lifeguards and a jet ski deployed
The rescue required four lifeguards and a rescue jet ski due to the strength of the waves and powerful currents affecting the area.
Once brought safely back to shore, the swimmer received immediate medical treatment inside an ambulance, where paramedics administered oxygen.
However, the rescue itself nearly ended in tragedy.
One of the lifeguards encountered serious difficulties while attempting to return to shore because of strong rip currents and had to be rescued himself in a second emergency operation.
After reaching the beach, the lifeguard collapsed from exhaustion and the effects of swallowing seawater.
He was treated by colleagues and emergency medics before being transferred to La Linea Regional Hospital, where he remains under medical observation.
Police launch sanction proceedings
Local Police attended the scene and identified the swimmer, who now faces administrative proceedings for ignoring the red flag warning.
Under La Linea’s beach regulations, entering the sea when a red flag is flying can result in fines of up to €3,000.
Councillor for Beaches Rafael Leon said the incident highlights the dangers posed by reckless behaviour in the water.
He urged beachgoers to respect the warning flag system, stressing that irresponsible actions place not only the swimmer at risk but also the lives of rescue personnel.
Under the colour-coded system used on Spanish beaches, a green flag indicates safe swimming conditions, yellow signals caution, and red means entering the water is strictly prohibited.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
