Lifeguards in Palma Stage Protest: 'Collective Drowning' at the City Beach

Early in the morning, lifeguards at Palma's city beach staged a dramatic action to draw attention to staff shortages and tough shift schedules.

Surprising Morning Action: Saving Lives as Protest

Around 8:30 a.m., when most cafés were still steaming with coffee, rescuers at Playa de Palma staged a scene not seen every day. In short succession, several swimmers jumped into the shallow water, deliberately laid face down and let themselves drift — until colleagues reanimated them. Others stood tightly packed in the sea with raised arms: a sarcastic choreography they themselves called 'collective drowning'.

What they're fighting for

The demand was not an art project. The men and women on the rescue boards demand more staff, longer shifts and above all better working conditions. Many work only on seasonal contracts, toil often more than allowed and fear that in storms or heat, no one will be stepping in.

“We cannot be on duty and constantly take overtime,” said one of the demonstrators, while tourists on towels rubbed their eyes. Such sentences were heard repeatedly, between siren imitations and applause from some passersby.

Conflict over minimum services

The union criticized that authorities had set minimum services at 100 percent—thus effectively not allowing strikes. Affected are beaches in Palma, Calvià and several municipalities on Ibiza. The lifeguards call this a circumvention of the right to strike: if always 100 percent of service is required, there is no leverage to build pressure.

City representatives yesterday pointed out that safety comes first. For them, minimum services are a tool to prevent failures in emergencies. But the water scene showed that the rescuers feel cornered.

How the island reacted

Passersby filmed with cellphones, tourists asked irritably. Some residents applauded, others said to call the police – which arrived later to observe the situation rather than forcibly end the action. In social media, the pictures sparked heated debates: safety versus labor rights.

What happens next

The union announced talks, but will resort to further actions if needed. The lifeguards plan information meetings at several beaches to alert the public to their working conditions. A spontaneous call should help mobilize more staff—and apply pressure on the administration.

In the end, a simple point remains: those who want to keep the beaches safe should also take the people seriously who carry the responsibility there every summer. There are no quick fixes; binding working hours, fair contracts and enough personnel for emergencies are needed. That was the message yesterday by the sea— loud, clear, and a bit uncomfortable for all involved.