Xàbia will have the use of drones to stop drowning on the beaches

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has presented, in Xàbia, the 'Stop drowning' campaign as well as the pilot project that incorporates the use of drones for rescue and emergencies on beaches in the Valencian Community. This pilot program is launched in a total of 10 beaches in the Region, including two in the Marina Alta, Xàbia and Dénia.

Ximo Puig with the mayors of Xàbia and Dénia

The pilot project aims to carry out support work for first aid and rescue services, thus reinforcing safety on the beaches, through drones. And it is that, in an emergency situation, the aircraft will go to the victim and launch a life preserver to keep him afloat until the arrival of the lifeguard. This system lasts for three months and is developed from Monday to Sunday, adjusting to the needs of each municipality, its execution being coordinated by the AVSRE.

Using drones to stop drownings on beaches

Puig has indicated that the Consell puts all the necessary instruments to guarantee both safety in the bathroom and protection against COVID-19, referring to this new unmanned aircraft project and to that of the informants within the program of safe beaches.

The event also had the participation of the Minister of Justice, Interior and Public Administration, Gabriela Bravo, as well as the head of the Security and Emergency Response Agency (AVSRE), José María Ángel, the Mayor of Xàbia, José Chulvi, the mayor of Dénia, Vicent Grimalt and the general director of Tourism.

The president stressed that the use of unmanned aircraft "opens an extraordinary space" of possibilities to "improve the effectiveness of public services."

Ximo Puig announces the use of drones to stop drownings on beaches

'Stop drowning'

The Generalitat Valenciana has launched the campaign 'Stop drowning' in order to make citizens aware of the need to act "prudently" to avoid dangerous situations. The numbers of drowned people are increasing and this is to be avoided. Until July 31, 2021, 23 have been the people who have lost their lives due to drowning in the Community. Data from last year indicate that the total number of drowning deaths in this autonomy was 61.

For her part, the Minister of Justice and the Interior has stressed that the objective of this awareness campaign is to convey to the public that reckless behavior can lead to fatal outcomes. "In most cases, the deaths could have been avoided with responsible behavior, such as respecting the flags, bathing only in full physical capacity or avoiding going into the sea without a lifeguard," Bravo added.