Platja de l'Arrabassada in Tarragona has been the setting for the evaluations to select the rescue personnel for the summer season. This selection process aims to fill 61 job positions to guarantee surveillance and lifeguard services in various coastal towns.

Candidates faced a rigorous duathlon comprising a 200-meter run, a 400-meter swim, and an additional 100-meter run back, with a maximum time of 12 minutes to complete the circuit. Furthermore, they had to pass a rescue test, assisting a victim 50 meters from the coast and towing them to the beach, with the support of institutional volunteers acting as victims to add realism to the exercise.

These practical tests complement the theoretical and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) evaluations that began the previous day, to which over 100 aspirants were summoned at the provincial offices. The predominant profile among participants is that of students aged between 20 and 22 seeking seasonal employment to cover their expenses, although there are also more experienced workers who link winter and summer campaigns.

Among the mandatory requirements for aspirants are holding an ESO graduate certificate, aquatic lifeguard certification, registration in ROPEC, and authorization for the use of external defibrillators. Beyond physical and theoretical abilities, the attitude and proactivity of the professionals are particularly valued.

One of the aspirants, aged 22, is facing his fifth year as a lifeguard. He started at 18 and is now preparing to obtain a skipper's license, which will allow him to operate jet skis. This professional highlights the vocation required for this job and acknowledges that, despite difficulties such as the public's failure to follow recommendations, there are also gratifying moments, such as the gratitude received after a rescue.

The lifeguard campaign at Platja de l'Arrabassada will begin on weekends from May 15 to June 15, and will subsequently extend to the rest of the beaches with daily service.