Over 100 Red Cross lifeguards watching the sea

There are 42 Red Cross help points on beaches around the Balearics consisting of lifeguards, rapid response vessels and rescue teams, supported by First Aid stations.

Of this total, 23 are on Majorca, 6 on Minorca and 12 on Ibiza. Records show however that last year, there were six lookout points more on Majorca - in Capdepera, where this year they are not being provided.

Reports show that last year, 4'978 people were attended by Red Cross staff in the Balearics. More than half required assistance because they had been stung by jellyfish (2'946). Those suffering other injuries and bruising numbered 1'261.

Also on record were 77 rescue operations of swimmers and boats which had run into difficulties, and 70 children who had become lost were taken care of.
On Majorca, lifeguards went into action on 2'808 occasions, 753 on Minorca and 1'417 elsewhere.
Beach users and bathers required assistance for anything from being bitten by sea creatures to cardiac arrest.
Red Cross staff also had to liaise with police who needed to restore order on beaches in circumstances where people used the sand for sports in unauthorised areas or moored unlicensed vessels in bathing areas.