The aspiring lifeguards had to complete an 800-meter run, followed by a 600-meter swim. The fastest finished in approximately 12 minutes, while the slowest took almost double that time. In the afternoon, they took a multiple-choice theoretical exam on rescue and first aid. All participants will be working in beach surveillance for the first time.
The beach lifeguard service will operate from June 1st to September 31st, comprising 194 rescuers. Most of them are veterans with years of experience, and those who pass today's tests will reinforce these teams. A minimum of 21 new lifeguards are expected to be incorporated. These two hundred individuals will be responsible for ensuring the safety of bathers on the 23 beaches in the territory that will have surveillance, with the exception of five coves.
“"Last year, the Ertzaintza had to be notified on several occasions, and fines were issued to bathers who did not respect the lifeguards' instructions."
This year, fewer new applicants participated in the selection process than expected. Out of 160 registered individuals, only 95 showed up. This situation has led the Red Cross to consider holding a second selection day in mid-summer, an unprecedented measure, to recruit more lifeguards.
Some beaches are considered more dangerous due to their currents, exposure to waves, and high number of visitors. Among them, La Arena, Arrietara, Atxabiribil, Bakio, Laida, Laga, and Karraspio stand out. In fact, during the last Holy Week, bathers had to be rescued on two of these beaches, Bakio and La Arena, although surfers assisted those in distress as the lifeguard season had not yet begun.
