Mallorca - for many, the perfect backdrop of sun, sea and unspoiled nature. However, the ever-increasing number of boats and yachts cruising around the island has its downsides. On the east coast, the municipality of Manacor is now planning drastic measures to ensure the safety of its natural beaches. From the coming summer season, buoys will close off popular bays such as Cala Varques and keep boats away - not least to prevent accidents.
Protection of bathers and the environment
The decision to protect beaches such as Cala Varques is not a spontaneous reaction. The beaches of Cala Morlanda and Caló den Rafelino near S'Illot have already been successfully closed off with buoys in the past, as Sebastià Llodrà, the local councillor responsible, reports. This measure has led to a significant reduction in the number of boats ignoring the barriers. "The few violations that have occurred confirm the success of the regulation," says Llodrà.
But the new regulation is more than just a precautionary measure. It is also a reaction to the increase in reckless boat and jet ski drivers, some of whom make the bays unsafe right up to the shore. An incident in August, in which a German yacht owner harassed a fishing boat and a young man lost his life, illustrates the urgency.
Strict rules and protection for all
The new regulation will not only affect boats. A ban on smoking on the beaches is to be introduced, as is a ban on loud music, which is due to come into effect from summer 2025. A list of penalties to be drawn up will clearly regulate the consequences for violations. The balance between enjoying nature and respecting the environment is at the heart of these measures.
The income from beach concessions was lavish last summer: 1.1 million euros were poured into the coffers, but Manacor is not just looking at the figures. The fact that up to 50 percent of parasols and sun loungers were removed to create more space for bathers who bring their own towels was particularly praised.
Posidonia - A treasure of the seas
Another step for environmental protection: the beaches are maintained by hand to protect the precious Posidonia seagrass meadow - a job that sounds more like a poem, but is unlikely to save the island's charm on its own. The 30 cubic meters of seagrass collected in summer are laid out again in winter to promote the natural regeneration of the coast - a symbol of respectful interaction with nature.
Focus on safety
The 233 lifeguard deployments last summer speak for themselves. A look at the figures makes it clear that it's not just about swimming, but also about fighting for safety, which is often taken for granted. 114 of these were rescue operations in the water, 65 percent of the smaller rescues were for jellyfish stings. These figures show that the safety and protection of bathers are more than necessary, they are indispensable.
Manacor is sending out a clear signal: Protecting the beaches is not just a duty, but an investment in the future of the island.
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