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May 22 - Improvements to the Beaches

catalanSaturday 11th May saw the start of the beach lifeguard weekend duty with 15 lifeguards having obtained their RLSS qualification. This service will complement the beach facilities, which have been open since 6th April and is in line with the commitment of the Government to roll out new services for the enjoyment of all beach users.

The Government said: “The Gibraltar Tourist Board is currently undertaking a refurbishment programme to ensure that the beaches and facilities are finished to the highest possible standard. As the public is aware, some works are still in progress and will be completed shortly; in particular, the works still being carried out at Camp Bay, Eastern Beach and Catalan Bay in order to provide improved accessible facilities. Further details on the accessibility project will be made public shortly in conjunction with the Ministry for Social Services and Equality.”

This year the Gibraltar Tourist Board has purchased an additional 3 lifeguard boats and engines in order to provide a faster, more efficient service at all the beaches.

As a further innovation, this year will see the introduction of external showers at all the beaches. In this respect, the co-operation of beach users is requested, to ensure that all facilities remain in a good state and that faults, if discovered, are reported to the attendant on site.

Some further initiatives this year include a new beach equipment store at Camp Bay and a portable fresh water shower unit at Western Beach. At Western Beach the strict monitoring of the waters by the Environmental Agency, the Department of the Environment and the Gibraltar Tourist Board will continue. A protocol for dealing with contamination is in place and bathing will not be allowed if there is deterioration in the water quality.

A new walkway is also being built at Catalan Bay to provide easier access from the car park to the beach.

The Government also said: “Gibraltarians will also remember that major coastal protection and beach regeneration works are currently being carried out at Sandy Bay, following extensive engineering studies of the coastal processes affecting the beach.”

lifeguardCommenting on the beaches Neil Costa, Minister for Tourism, said: “As a Gibraltarian who, as a child, spent each summer at Eastern Beach with his family, I am delighted to be able to announce so many innovations throughout all of our beaches in this Government’s second year in office. This year’s new additions will, of course, become regular features at our beaches for the enjoyment of all. As usual, I take the opportunity to thank the hardworking staff of the Gibraltar Tourist Board for their unstinting support and professionalism.”