17/08/2013 00:00
TW
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by Joan Collins
VARIOUS coastal towns on Majorca have had their beach safety measures increased with eight semirigid lifeboats, 13 jetskis and 14 rescue surfboards, which were presented yesterday by the Balearic Minister for the Interior, Jose Maria Rodriguez.
During the presentation of this new equipment, which took place in the Calanova National Sailing School, the director general of the Emergencies department, Joan Pol, the director of the public company Management of Emergencies in the Balearics (GEIBSA), Jose Adamuz, and the Mayor of Palma, Catalina Cirer were also present.
The towns to benefit from this new equipment are: Alcudia; Andratx; Arta; Calvia; Campos; Capdepera; Felanitx; Manacor; Muro; Palma; Pollensa; Sant Llorec des Cardassar; Santa Margalida; Santanyi; Ses Salines; and Son Servera.
SAFETY MARGINS
Rodriguez said that it would “increase and guarantee the safety margins on the island's beaches”.
This extra maritime safety equipment is part of the “Beach Safety Plan 2006 2010”, which GEIBSA manages.
This is a programme with a budget of six million euros, of which more than one million has been invested this year.
Rodriguez added that “this equipment will be progressively increased” and announced that “shortly tenders will be offered for the creation and installation of watch towers and first aid posts in the bathing areas”.
The new equipment will be brought into service immediately Rodriguez said.
Earlier this year, the number of life guards on the local beaches was increased, thanks to an agreement between the government and the local chapter of the Red Cross.
The government is fully aware that the beaches are the main attraction of the Balearics, and that safety is of the utmost importance.