Palma lifeguards threaten full strike ahead of Mallorca's busiest summer season
Lifeguards in Palma have warned of a full strike on June 24, 2023, if their concerns over safety and working conditions remain unaddressed. The dispute comes as Mallorca gears up for its busiest summer season, with beaches expected to draw record crowds. Several popular spots, including Ciudad Jardín and Cala Estancia, already lack proper first-aid facilities and basic services like showers and toilets. The lifeguards’ complaints cover multiple issues. Staffing shortages, poor facilities, and inadequate safety measures have gone unresolved for months. Some beaches, such as parts of Playa de Palma, still lack properly maintained buoy systems despite the tourist season being underway. Workers also report thefts and difficult conditions during peak visitor days.
A public protest is scheduled for May 28, 2023, outside Palma City Hall. The strike date coincides with the Sant Joan celebrations, one of the island’s most significant summer holidays. If the walkout proceeds, key beaches could be left without lifeguard cover during a critical period. Tourism officials face pressure as the dispute threatens to disrupt services. With Mallorca anticipating a record-breaking season, the absence of lifeguards and missing safety infrastructure could pose serious risks for beachgoers.
The planned strike highlights ongoing tensions over beach safety and worker conditions. Without a resolution, Palma’s beaches may operate without lifeguards during a major holiday weekend. Authorities must address the issues quickly to avoid disruptions during the island’s peak tourist months.
