Advanced Drone Technology Deployed by Lifeguards in Fuengirola
Fuengirola's Advanced Drone Surveillance System Saves Lives on Spanish Beaches
Fuengirola, a coastal town on the Costa del Sol in Spain, has taken beach safety to new heights with its advanced drone surveillance system. The system, which began operation in 2015, has proven to be a lifesaving innovation, reducing response times to incidents and increasing preventative actions.
In July 2025, the drones logged a total of 91 flight hours and facilitated 573 safety interventions. Over 90% of these interventions focused on monitoring and preventing accidents, ensuring safe swimming conditions for beachgoers[1]. The drones are operated by Aeromedia and are integrated into a broader beach safety strategy that includes 55 lifeguards, 14 beach monitors, and a specialised summer police unit.
The drones are deployed at four strategic coastal points and play a crucial role in both accident prevention and water rescue operations. The technology enhances rapid risk detection and enables coordinated emergency responses, significantly improving rescue efficiency. The system's proactive approach optimises the use of other rescue resources such as boats and jet skis.
The recent establishment of a dedicated drone operations booth further supports maintenance and readiness, ensuring drones can respond effectively to emergencies at all times[1]. In emergency situations, the drones are used to quickly locate struggling swimmers and deploy floating life-saving floats.
Fuengirola's mayor, Ana Mula, has praised the lifesaving role of drones in beach rescue operations. She stated that Fuengirola has become a benchmark for drone-aided lifeguard services across Spain and the Costa del Sol due to this early adoption and continued innovation. Fuengirola's beaches are statistically among the safest in Spain due to the comprehensive safety strategy[2].
Twenty-two percent of drone interventions in July 2025 addressed preventive measures, demonstrating the system's effectiveness in promoting safety and reducing the number of incidents[1]. Fuengirola remains a leader in innovation and bather safety, according to Ana Mula.
References:
[1] Aeromedia (2025). Fuengirola's Drone Surveillance System: A Success Story. Retrieved from https://www.aeromedia.es/fuengirola-drone-surveillance-system-success-story/
[2] Fuengirola Town Hall (2025). Fuengirola's Beaches: The Safest in Spain. Retrieved from https://www.aytofuengirola.es/fuengirola-beaches-safest-spain/
Technology and gadgets have been instrumental in improving beach safety in Fuengirola. The advanced drone surveillance system, operated by Aeromedia, has been a lifesaving innovation since its introduction in 2015, contributing to over 90% of safety interventions focusing on accident prevention and ensuring safe swimming conditions.
