The iconic beach of Las Teresitas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has taken a significant step toward enhancing safety by installing loudspeakers to deliver essential warnings and information to bathers. Although not yet operational, these loudspeakers are part of a broader initiative by the Santa Cruz City Council to upgrade safety measures across its beaches and maritime bathing areas.
Comprehensive Overhaul of Safety Infrastructure
In collaboration with the Spanish Red Cross, which oversees rescue, surveillance, and lifeguard services for the municipality, the city council’s Safety and Emergencies department has completed a comprehensive renovation of safety signage. This includes updates to comply with current regulations, as well as the installation of 18 new masts for displaying preventive flags.
A total of 28 information panels have been replaced along the Santa Cruz coastline, supplemented by four new danger and risk signs near Las Teresitas and Las Gaviotas beaches. Additionally, five posts have been installed to support the new public address system on Las Teresitas beach and the San Andrés pier.
Improvements to Maritime Zones
The upgrades also extend to maritime safety. The intervention has enhanced the beaconing of anchoring areas for rescue boats and redefined the nautical channels at Las Teresitas. An additional anchoring point has been established at the Añaza dock, further strengthening maritime operations.
The updated signage and infrastructure span several coastal areas, including Las Gaviotas, Playa Chica, Las Teresitas, Roque de Las Bodegas, Almáciga, and Benijo, as well as newer enclaves like Valleseco (Los Charcos, El Bloque, and Acapulco) and the docks of San Andrés and Añaza.
Leadership Commentary
The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, alongside the mayor for Safety and Emergencies, Gladis de León, inspected the new features in San Andrés. Bermúdez highlighted the dual responsibility of public administrations and individuals:
“While we are committed to ensuring the highest possible safety standards, the public must also take responsibility for their self-protection and avoid unnecessary risks at sea.”
De León detailed the renovations and acknowledged that these improvements address long-standing demands from the public, local police, and other administrative bodies:
“We have fulfilled the obligation to enhance safety measures with the support of the Spanish Red Cross. The new signage, lifeguard masts, and other upgrades were necessary to meet public and institutional expectations.”
Operational Details
Currently, these safety enhancements are operational during the low-season hours for the Santa Cruz coastline, from 10:00 to 17:00. The updated measures aim to ensure that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the coastlines with improved safety and awareness.
