LIFEGUARDS in Mallorca are threatening to go on strike during San Juan festivities this June amid complaints over persistent thefts and a lack of basic equipment.
Unio Socorristes Mallorca announced a ‘total strike’ in Palma de Mallorca on June 24 – one of the busiest beach days of the year, coinciding with the popular San Juan festivities.
The move marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute with Palma Town Hall.
Lifeguards have scheduled a public demonstration outside Palma Town Hall in Placa Cort on May 28.
They are calling on residents and visitors to join the protest and raise awareness about the state of the city’s beach services.
Union officials said the escalation comes after a failed meeting with the town hall’s environment department on Tuesday.
They say environment councillor Llorenc Bauza offered last-minute proposals aimed at defusing tensions rather than addressing systemic issues.
The union rejected these overtures and said the situation has now reached a ‘breaking point’.
Lifeguards say critical deficiencies in basic beach infrastructure sit at the heart of the dispute.
Several key areas, including Ciudad Jardin and Cala Estancia, reportedly lack first-aid stations.
Conditions are even worse in Playa de Palma – one of Mallorca’s busiest tourist destinations – where lifeguards say there are no functioning toilets or showers.
The absence or poor condition of safety buoys in some areas is also raising serious concerns about swimmer and boat safety.
Union representatives argue these shortcomings hinder their ability to perform their duties effectively and pose a direct threat to beachgoers.
“Safety is not an expense, it’s a basic necessity,” the union said in a statement.
Beyond infrastructure issues, lifeguards are drawing attention to security concerns.
They report responding daily to theft incidents involving beach visitors while also becoming targets themselves.
Thieves recently stole a service bicycle used by lifeguards.
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The union has placed responsibility squarely on local authorities and accused the councillor of poor management and misplaced priorities.
“Governing isn’t just about having a presence on social media,” a spokesperson said.
“It’s about guaranteeing safety, basic services, and decent conditions for both workers and citizens.”
The union hopes the move will force authorities to take immediate action.
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