The Almería City Council has launched two comprehensive renovation projects for the five lifeguard (SOS) buildings located along the coast, aiming to enhance safety and inclusivity. These improvements, totaling over 348,000 euros, introduce technological and sustainability advancements.
These surveillance bases are expected to be fully operational before the high season begins, with the Night of San Juan set as the deadline. The intervention was deemed necessary due to the deterioration of the infrastructures caused by their proximity to the sea and extreme environmental conditions, which rendered annual maintenance insufficient.
“"We understand that these facilities are vital, because from them the safety of our beaches is controlled, and all citizens who may suffer any mishap during their stay on the beach are also attended to. Therefore, it was also necessary to provide them with internal comforts so that the work of the lifeguards and personnel in charge of these tasks could be carried out in the best possible conditions of both comfort and their own safety."
The most significant accessibility improvements have been made to SOS buildings 1 and 2, located in San Miguel-Las Conchas and El Palmeral. With an allocated budget of 142,539 euros, these modules are now fully accessible directly from the promenade, eliminating ramps and lowering the buildings to ground level for barrier-free access.
SOS posts 3, 4, and 5, situated in Nueva Almería, Retamar, and San Miguel del Cabo de Gata, have received an investment of 205,700 euros for deep structural repairs. These actions include improving the railings and installing new pergolas to provide shade on the roofs.
As part of the modernization effort, all buildings will incorporate a photovoltaic energy system with autonomous electricity supply equipment. This initiative aims to make the lifeguard stations self-sufficient and sustainable, ensuring an efficient surveillance service adapted for all bathers on Almería's beaches.
