- EDITIONS:
Spanish News Today
Alicante Today
Andalucia Today
PROPERTY SEARCH
PROPERTY SEARCH
Can a lifeguard really fine you for swimming under a red flag?
A Spanish lawyer clears up the confusion over beach safety rules and who actually has the power to sanction
It is a familiar sight on Spanish beaches in the summer. The red flag is flying, the waves are rough, and a lifeguard is blowing their whistle and waving a swimmer back to shore. Sometimes, the discussion gets heated and you may even hear people mutter about possible fines. But can a lifeguard really fine you for ignoring their warning?According to Spanish lawyer Xabi Abat, the answer is simple: no. In a video that has gone viral online, he explains that lifeguards have no legal authority to fine anyone or physically force them out of the water.
“A lifeguard can tell you to leave the sea, but not force you to do so,” Abat says. Their role is to monitor, prevent accidents and warn bathers of danger. If someone refuses to follow their advice, the most they can do is alert the police or the Guardia Urbana.
This is where fines can come into play. If the police are called, they can assess the situation and decide whether a law has been broken. In that case, the fine would come from the authorities, not the lifeguard.
Many beachgoers assume lifeguards are a kind of law enforcement, but Abat stresses they are not. “They are professionals whose mission is to protect and warn,” he says. “The legal power to sanction lies elsewhere.”
The video has sparked a lively debate online. Some applaud the clarification, saying it is important to understand the limits of a lifeguard’s authority. Others argue that common sense should prevail and that swimmers have a responsibility to heed safety warnings, regardless of the legal technicalities.
So, while ignoring a lifeguard’s instructions will not earn you an instant fine, it could still land you in trouble if the police get involved. And more importantly, it could put you in real danger.
You might also be interest in: Can your community charge you for bringing guests to the pool?
Image: Public Co/Pixabay
If you own property in Spain but don’t live there, you must pay tax – whether you use it as a holiday home, rent it out or sell it.
IberianTax helps non-resident property owners file their Modelo 210 tax forms quickly and securely. Our easy-to-use online platform simplifies the process of filing the Modelo 210 tax form, ensuring full compliance with Spanish tax laws. With step-by-step support and affordable pricing starting at just €34.95, filing your taxes has never been easier or stress-free.
Join thousands of non-resident homeowners who have chosen IberianTax as their trusted tax partner in Spain. Visit our website and sign up for your free account now.
What is the Modelo 210 tax form?
The Modelo 210 is Spain’s tax form for non-residents who own property in Spain. It is used to declare taxes related to your property.
There are different types, depending on the tax:
- Imputed Income (Modelo 210): Owning a property for personal use (i.e.: holiday home).
- Rental Income (Modelo 210): For income earned from renting out your property.
- Capital Gains (Modelo 210): For tax due when you sell your property.
How to file your non-resident Modelo 210 tax with IberianTax in 3 steps
- Create an Account: Sign up for free to start. You can get a free tax estimate by using our tax calculator and only pay when you submit your Modelo 210.
- Enter Your Details: Complete the simple IberianTax questionnaire with your property and personal information. Step-by-step guidance and examples are included.
- Submit Your Tax: Choose your payment method, and IberianTax will file your Spanish non-resident tax return online for you. Simple!
Why use IberianTax to file your Modelo 210?
- Fast & Easy: File your Modelo 210 online in minutes.
- Simple: Step-by-step questionnaire – no tax knowledge needed.
- Affordable: Services from €34.95 VAT inc., far less than typical €150+VAT.
- Flexible: File anytime, anywhere, with multiple payment options.
- Accurate: Built by tax experts with automatic checks.
- Secure: Data encryption and safe online payments.
- Certified: Approved by the Spanish tax authorities.
- Multilingual: English, French and German support available.
Whether you need to file taxes for personal use, rental income, or capital gains, IberianTax offers a comprehensive, reliable, and cost-effective solution for non-resident property owners in Spain.
Get started now on the IberianTax website and enjoy a 10% discount or, if you have any further questions, the team will be happy to answer them. Just use the contact box above, or fill in the contact form on their website.
Alternatively, you can send an email to contact@iberiantax.com and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
