Playa de Muro, known worldwide for its crystal-clear waters and long stretches of sandy beach, became the unexpected centre of attention over the weekend as it hosted a large-scale and complex beach rescue simulation. The annual drill, held every summer, is designed to train and prepare emergency and safety services for real-life scenarios that could arise during the busy holiday season. This year’s event unfolded across three separate simulations, all conducted on Playa de Muro – Sector I, in front of the COSyS (Rescue and Safety Operations Centre).
To enhance realism, some of the simulations were carried out simultaneously, testing the response capabilities and coordination between various services. The scenarios were also observed by surprised tourists and locals who happened to be enjoying the sunny day on the beach.
The first simulation began around 11.15am, involving a heavily pregnant woman—36 weeks into her pregnancy—who went into labour. With contractions occurring every minute, emergency lifeguards were quick to respond and began administering assistance. The municipal ambulance, Alfa-Muro, was activated, and medical staff supported the woman through the delivery. The baby was born safely under a marquee erected on the beach, though the situation presented a high-stress challenge to all personnel involved, including the baby’s visibly distressed father, who also required support from lifeguards and police.
In the second scenario, Andreu Cantarellas, Muro’s Councillor for Police and Public Safety—and fictional grandfather in the simulated childbirth—collapsed from the emotional strain and high temperatures. The lifeguards swiftly attended to him, helping him recover consciousness on the beach. Thankfully, the simulation ended with the councillor leaving the scene on his own, underscoring the importance of rapid intervention and heat-related incident awareness.
The third and final simulation activated the ISO14001 environmental protocol following the discovery of hazardous waste. Sand regression had exposed old parasol posts, posing a danger to beachgoers. The beach cleaning company was deployed to safely remove and relocate the debris. Meanwhile, lifeguards and police officers worked together to cordon off the area and ensure no one was injured, highlighting the importance of environmental safety as part of overall beach management.
Officials praised the simulations for their effectiveness and realism. The Mayor of Muro, Miquel Porquer, stressed the value of such training exercises, stating that they ensure emergency teams are well-prepared to offer the level of care and protection the public expects and deserves. Councillor for Beaches, Marga Ballester, echoed his sentiments, commending the public rescue service for their outstanding performance throughout the day.
Toni Carrió, Beach Safety Coordinator, noted that these drills allow the service to assess key aspects such as communication, coordination, and response times. He congratulated all teams and individuals who took part in the simulations for their professionalism and commitment. The event was attended by various local authorities, emergency service leaders, and a large crowd of onlookers—many of whom watched with keen interest despite knowing it was all just a drill.