CALLS have been made for better beach safety after an off-duty policeman drowned while attempting to rescue two Irish surfers.
Carlos Calderon Arias dived into the water at El Palmar beach, near Vejer, after spotting the men in difficulty.
The 33-year-old, from Sevilla, was on holiday with his wife, who was left waiting on the beach as he swam out to help.
Following a search operation, the Guardia Civil diving team found Arias’ body in the water, 400m away from the last spot he had been seen.
Meanwhile a female surf teacher helped the two surfers ashore.
“It is very sad news,” said British expat Charlotte Hanson.
Meanwhile Vejer mayor Jose Ortiz agreed the issue of beach safety needs to be taken more seriously.
“People need to be warned before they go swimming,” he said.
Currently the only signs at El Palmar beach are those forbidding playing with balls or bringing dogs in the beach.
There are no warnings about the currents.
Arias has since been posthumously awarded a Gold Medal for Police Merit by Spanish Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz, who praised his courage and described the events as ‘tragic, sad and touching’.
My condolences to this brave man’s family.
So sad to read this story. We visit El Palmar regularly and had no idea the currents were so strong. What a brave man. Poor wife waiting on the shore.
A most courageous man. God bless him, I will say a prayer for his loved ones.
What a very sad day in el palmar and what a brave man. We too have been to el palmar many times and have experienced the strong currents.
Poor bloke … a hero for trying to help, there’s no justice. RIP.
My condolances. i real tragedy.
Maybe chack that all surf instrctors / hire shops have some local knowledge about tides & currents.
“Meanwhile Vejer mayor Jose Ortiz agreed the issue of beach safety needs to be taken more seriously.
NEEDLESS loss of a brave person.
Surely the Mayor knows such strong dangerous currents didn’t “just occur yesterday” from his quote.
Is there a strong Lawyer in the House?