A popular summer holiday destination in Spain has revealed plans to charge tourists who need to be rescued from the sea as a result of reckless behaviour.
San Sebastian announced that it aims to introduce the measures this summer in an effort to lower the number of people needing to be saved from drowning. Dozens of tourists have had to be rescued by emergency services in recent years.
As reported by the Daily Express, a recent incident involved two tourists travellers who needed to be saved after deciding to take a midnight swim in the sea. They were at the city's popular La Concha beach following an evening of partying.
READ MORE — Cheapest Glasgow Airport July flights for under £40 including Belgium and Spain
After heading into the water, the pair found themselves swept away by strong currents. Additionally, the sea was only 13 degrees Celsius at the time.
They had to be retrieved by a police officer who was off-duty at the time of the incident, and just happened to be out on a walk near the beach. The authorities state that the rescue cost approximately £5,169.
If the new legislation is passed, this hefty bill may soon be the responsibility of tourists who find themselves needing help as a result of drunken or foolish behaviour.
City councillor Martin Ibabe said: “I would love to never charge a single euro, pound or dollar. The objective here is to prevent these types of incidents from happening. The confrontational nature of this law is aimed at making people think twice.”
The councillor stated that the resort city was “blazing a new path” after “clear acts of irresponsibility” at the beach. He revealed another recent incident in which a woman needed to se saved after trying to climb a rock when drunk.
However, Ibabe stressed that if there was the “slightest doubt” an incident was an accident, tourists would not be forced to pay a fee. It has not been revealed yet what portion of the bill tourists would be required to pay.
READ MORE —
- DWP benefit cap may increase for first time in six years amid soaring inflation
- Scottish independence referendum explained as date set for vote
- Olivia Rodrigo at O2 Academy Glasgow — everything you need to know ahead of Sour Tour show
- Janey Godley reveals she is cancer free and thanks NHS for 'saving her life'
- New Grillaz Glasgow burger drive thru praised for 'massive' portions in viral TikTok
