Lifeguarding organisations in the Balearic Islands are to set up a new commission aimed at tackling unregulated operators and curbing what they describe as long-standing malpractice in the sector. Employers’ groups and trade unions say the spread of so-called “pirate companies” has undermined service standards and compromised safety for years.
The move follows the signing last December of the second sector-wide collective agreement for aquatic surveillance and lifeguarding. The deal was agreed by the Association of Rescue and Lifeguarding Companies (Salvib), the Balearic Business Association of Lifeguarding Companies (AEBS) and the trade unions CCOO, UGT and CGT.
In a joint statement, Salvib and AEBS said the commission would focus on identifying, documenting and reporting companies operating outside the required professional and employment frameworks. They warned that some operators were able to offer “abnormally low prices” by relying on irregular labour practices, creating unfair competition and, they said, putting users’ safety at risk.
According to the sector, these practices have led to undeclared work, staff without the necessary qualifications and, in some cases, people in an irregular administrative situation working as lifeguards. The organisations said the regional government was aware of the problem and pointed to the labour inspectorate as a key body in ensuring the rules were enforced.
The commission plans to coordinate the gathering of evidence and to act when there are clear indications of wrongdoing. Particular concern has been raised about hotel swimming pools, where cost pressures can lead to contracts being awarded on price alone, with labour and professional standards “too often overlooked”.
Industry representatives warned that choosing a provider solely on cost could carry legal and reputational risks for hotels, as well as serious safety implications. They urged businesses to work only with companies that can demonstrate full compliance with regulations and to maintain oversight throughout the life of a contract.
The sector has pledged a “zero-tolerance” approach to labour fraud, including cash-in-hand payments and unpaid overtime. It warned that in the event of a serious incident – such as a rescue, resuscitation or major accident – the consequences could extend well beyond the poolside, exposing hotels and chains to legal action and reputational damage.
In the coming weeks, the commission is expected to set out its working procedures, including how to flag suspiciously low bids, collect information on potential breaches and bring greater public attention to what it says is a problem that has been allowed to persist for too long. Where there is firm evidence, cases will be passed on to the relevant authorities for action.