Ibiza tests Portuguese man o’ war beach alarm

A mock sighting of several Portuguese man o’ war specimens off Es Pouet beach in Sant Antoni, Ibiza, triggered a beach emergency drill on Friday 11 September 2026. A lifeguard on a kayak spotted the simulated animals near the bathing area and alerted a colleague on shore. It was Sant Antoni council’s second general emergency exercise on the municipality’s beaches.

The test examined how quickly the beach safety and rescue team could react to a sighting and whether its procedures for preventing and dealing with possible stings work.

Rescue boat checks the risk

A rescue boat carrying two skippers was sent out to inspect the area and assess the scale and development of the possible risk. The crew kept a safe distance throughout.

Lifeguards also stepped up their watch and warned beach users as a precaution. The drill tracked the response from the first sighting through the alert, boat deployment and coordination between the lifeguards and skippers.

Mock sting tests the 112 response

The scenario also included a beach user who had supposedly come into contact with a Portuguese man o’ war and showed symptoms consistent with a sting. A lifeguard made the first assessment and provided initial care before requesting the appropriate medical resource.

The team tested its coordination with 112, passing on the location, number of people affected, the patient’s condition, symptoms and action already taken. After the exercise, participants reviewed response times, difficulties and coordination between services, and discussed improvements to strengthen beach rescue procedures.

Topics: Swimming accidents · Sea rescue · Nature & wildlife · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com