Sand was redistributed ahead of this year’s season, balancing out the profile of the coast after the effects of Storm Harry in January, which led to a substantial loss of sediment and saw the coastline recede by between 3 and 10 metres at all beaches. To be precise, 4,000 cubic metres of sand has been transferred to the Sant Miquel beach and another 2,000 cubic metres moved from the Somorrostro to the Barceloneta beach. In line with the goals of the Pla Clima, work continues to bring sand and distribute it to preserve the coast in the face of sea storms and the rise in the sea level.

Lifeguard and rescue services

The lifeguard and rescue service has been rolled out, providing surveillance, prevention and assistance for bathers. The initial operation includes 13 watchtowers and 33 lifeguards, which will be increased to 22 towers and 54 lifeguards in high season. The service operates from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm all through the off-peak season, and until 7.30 pm during the high season.

Bathing support

The bathing support service offers personal and technical assistance for people with reduced mobility to be able to access the water. Of the four usual support points (Banys del Fòrum, Bogatell, Nova Icària and Barceloneta), the point at the Nova Icària beach will be open during the off-peak season from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm.

Public toilets

The off-peak season also means all the public toilets are open at the Espigó del Gas, Somorrostro, Bogatell, Mar Bella, Llevant and Fòrum, from 10 am to 7.30 pm. Similarly, the toilets at beach bars are for public use and will be open throughout the season.

Beach bars, loungers and parasols

The beaches offer the usual services of beach bars, loungers and parasols under a new contract (2026-2029) that prioritises quality, sustainability and social responsibility. The new period opts for improved food and drink options and the renewal of toilet spaces. It also consolidates the zero-waste strategy with the use of reusable cups at all beach bars, a key measure in reducing waste with the collaboration of members of the public.

For the start of the season four beach bars should be operational at the Sant Sebastià, Sant Miquel and Bogatell beaches (two at the latter). The rest will open up progressively.

Cleaning service bolstered

The operation to clean the sand will be stepped up to cope with the increase in bathers and the activation of services along the coast. Although the service operates all year round, now it will be boosted with six teams in three shifts (morning, afternoon and night) to carry out to sweep areas manually, churn the sand and empty litter bins.

Public information

This year’s public information service focuses on the orderly use of sports facilities, the use of boating channels for vessels to come and go, the dissemination of smoke-free beaches and awareness over the prevention of sexist violence, as well as good practice in reducing waste. An operation involving 11 people is envisaged for the off-peak season, with information points open from 10 am to 6 pm.

The Beach Centre, the education centre on the marine environmental and the coast, will be open from 7 April to 31 October. It is located at the Somorrostro beach, by the sand, and offers a programme of free activities from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 2 pm.

Stronger security

The City Police are stepping up their presence at the beaches to guarantee safety and prevention at the coast and preserve public space as a place of coexistence.

Smoke-free beaches

The city’s beaches have been smoke-free zones since the summer of 2022, a regulation that establishes the prohibition of all tobacco consumption at the beaches, including the bathing area at the Fòrum.