Baywatch in Bugibba? MTA extends lifeguard services

For the first time this year, the Malta Tourism Authority will also be testing lifesaving services on the rocky shore by providing a service at Fond Ghadir, Sliema, the Blue Lagoon in Comino and Qawra Point, a spokesperson for parliamentary secretary Mario De Marco told MaltaToday.

The Malta Tourism Authority already supports a number of local NGO’s in providing lifeguard services for Ghajn Tuffieha and Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo.

The Malta Tourism Authority has been involved in Beach Management since 2004 when it took over the management of Saint George’s Bay. The service was later extended to the Bugibba Perched Beach, and later on to Mellieha Bay (Ghadira) and Golden Bay.

Ghadira gains Beach of Quality status
The beaches of Mellieha Bay (Ghadira), Golden Bay and Ramla l-Hamra have, this year, been awarded a Beach of Quality status. This status is part of the process to eventually obtain a full Blue Flag status.

So far only Maltese beaches have been awarded this status: the Bugibba Perched Beach and St George’s Bay.

Blue Flag accreditation is only awarded for one season at a time, based on the beach’s performance in the previous year, and as long as the relevant criteria covering water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services, are fulfilled. Even if awarded the eco-label, the Blue Flag may be withdrawn at any time if the quality of the beach declines.

In the case of Ghadira, work is being carried out by the Malta Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Mellieha Local Council, Transport Malta, the Lands Department and MEPA.

The criteria for gaining Blue Flag Status include regular water quality testing, lifeguard services, first aid stations, and services for the disabled ensure that beach users are offered an excellent service in any circumstance. The Blue Flag is awarded by the Danish Foundation for Environmental Education.

Deck chairs at Blue Lagoon
The Malta Tourism Authority has issued a call for tenders for a concession to hire umbrellas and deck chairs and sun beds at the Blue Lagoon, Comino.

Only last year Malta Environment and Planning Authority enforcement officers, accompanied by Gozo Police officers seized 400 deck chairs and 150 parasols in a raid against the illegal occupation of the beach by this activity.

But the government has now decided to regularise this activity by issuing a tender for a concession.

The winning bidder will not even require a MEPA permit because they will not be allowed to set up all their sun beds at once.
In fact each sun bed will be installed as soon as it is rented and all sun beds will be removed at the end of each day.
The MTA justifies the concession as a way of improve beach facilities in Comino without in any way harming its sensitive environment.