Garachico Extends Lifeguard Service at El Caletón Pools Through December
Garachico has extended lifeguard services at the El Caletón natural pools until December 24, funding the initiative by opting out of Blue Flag certification to prioritize visitor safety during unpredictable autumn weather.
Safety management at Garachico’s coastline is changing this year. As reported by El Día, the local council has decided to keep lifeguards at the El Caletón natural pools until December 24, moving away from the traditional summer-only service that previously ended in September.
This shift prioritizes safety at the volcanic pools, which can be dangerous during the autumn months. Councilor for Beaches, Andrés Hernández, noted that the area’s rugged terrain and unpredictable sea conditions make it a high-risk zone when the weather turns. Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., making El Caletón the only bathing area in the municipality with this extended coverage.
The council was able to fund this change by opting out of the Blue Flag certification. Because the natural landscape makes it technically impossible to meet the program's strict accessibility requirements, the council decided to forgo the award. This freed up resources, allowing them to redistribute existing staff and extend the service without increasing the budget.
The extended surveillance aims to protect visitors and tourists who may not be familiar with the area’s risks. Having professionals on-site helps prevent accidents caused by strong surf and ensures that safety rules are followed during the off-season.
Looking ahead, the council faces financial challenges. The next service contract, due in 2027, must include these autumn months. However, a new collective bargaining agreement for the Canary Islands has increased labor costs and reduced working hours. The local government must now find a way to balance these rising costs with the need to keep one of its most popular, yet unpredictable, tourist attractions safe.