A new €5.14 million beach surveillance, rescue and assistance service has been launched by Arona Council, bringing longer lifeguard hours, additional rescue equipment and new technology to some of South Tenerife's busiest beaches.

The service is designed to strengthen safety for residents and visitors and improve the response to emergencies along Arona's coastline.

One of the main changes is an extension of lifeguard coverage during the high season until 8:00pm, when beaches can remain busy well into the evening.

A dedicated service will also operate during Easter, while a rapid-response team will be available from early in the day.

The new contract introduces additional rescue equipment including two jet skis, a semi-rigid rescue boat, a 4x4 pick-up, an electric quad, new rescue equipment and defibrillators.

Intelligent surveillance throughout the year

Arona is also introducing an intelligent water-surveillance system which will operate throughout the year.

The technology is designed to detect potentially dangerous situations in the water and generate real-time alerts, allowing lifeguards to respond more quickly when someone may be in difficulty.

Accessibility is also being improved. New adapted bathing chairs and two lifting systems will help people with reduced mobility access the water and use assisted bathing facilities.

The service will be accompanied by safety-awareness campaigns aimed at residents and tourists, focusing on accident prevention, safe behaviour and responsible use of the beaches and sea.

Arona includes major tourist areas such as Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Américas.

The council says the new service has been designed around that year-round demand, increasing emergency-response capacity while improving accessibility and preventative surveillance.