Lifeguards on the beaches of Formentera

The summer season begins

Formentera, May 3, 2025

From May 1 to October 31, the lifeguard service on the beaches of Formentera is up and running, with a professional team ready to respond to any emergency—from minor injuries to water rescues, as well as alerts about jellyfish sightings and general assistance for almost any situation that may arise on our beaches.

Their daily work goes far beyond passive surveillance: they form a rapid response network, fully coordinated with the rest of Formentera’s emergency services, ensuring safety and assistance for the many swimmers who enjoy our beaches during the summer months.

During the 2024 season, over 5,000 incidents were attended, highlighting the crucial role these professionals play. Most interventions were preventive, but there were also critical cases that required transfers to the hospital.

The service is concentrated on seven beaches across the island, which are equipped with active lifeguard surveillance, while the remaining beaches do not have lifeguards. This makes it essential for swimmers to take extra precautions when visiting areas outside the covered zones.

Training and preparation of Formentera’s lifeguards

Before the season begins, lifeguards undergo an intensive 16-hour training course focused on first aid, boat rescue techniques, treatment of severe bleeding, and rapid response in emergency situations. This training ensures the team arrives at the beaches fully prepared and equipped with the necessary skills to intervene effectively.

One of this year’s key developments has been a collaboration with the Civil Guard, which offered briefings on protocols for complex situations such as deaths at sea or the discovery of illegal substances. This coordination with security forces is essential for lifeguards on Formentera’s beaches to manage even the most delicate scenarios with professionalism and efficiency.

In addition, a rescue simulation was carried out on the beach to put everything learned into practice. These exercises help the team refine their response capabilities and adapt to real-life situations before facing them during the high season.

Signs with coastal geolocation markers

Formentera has lifeguards stationed on five of its beaches: ses Illetes, Llevant, es Arenals, cala Saona, and es Pujols. However, the rest of the island’s beaches are not actively monitored, so it is vital to be especially cautious if you choose to swim in areas without lifeguards.
Beach sections without a nearby lifeguard station are marked at intervals with small signs, usually attached to wooden posts, displaying a code number alongside the emergency number 112.
In case of an accident or the need for help, that code will pinpoint your exact location, making it easier for emergency services to find you quickly.

We hope you won’t need any of these services during your holiday in Formentera, but it’s good to know they’re there as you enjoy the island’s stunning beaches and turquoise sea.