The city has unveiled new lifeguard towers equipped with video surveillance along its beaches, part of a 5-million-peso (about $280,000 USD) investment aimed at improving safety.
The Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) presented six lifeguard towers installed ahead of the busy Easter holiday period. The towers are positioned at key locations, including Empacadora Beach and El Médano Beach.
Rafael Álvarez, Zofemat’s municipal coordinator, said three of the six towers are equipped with cameras. The remaining towers do not include surveillance due to technical limitations.
“Each camera has a range of 200 meters with a 180-degree field of view,” Álvarez said. “This allows us to cover the two kilometers of Médano Beach with video surveillance.”
Addressing the Overnight Security Gap
City officials say the project is designed to strengthen security along the coastline, particularly during overnight hours when beaches are typically unmonitored. Lifeguards currently patrol certified beaches from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., leaving a 12-hour gap.
“From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., there’s nobody there,” Álvarez said. “That’s when vandalism occurs, graffiti in bathrooms, damage to Zofemat buildings, thefts. Video surveillance will help deter these incidents and improve safety.”
Expansion to Other Popular Beaches
In total, Zofemat has acquired 10 mobile towers and three fixed units as part of a broader effort to modernize coastal monitoring. Officials say the system will also help oversee permitted beach vendors and general activity along the coastline.
Álvarez added that similar surveillance measures will be expanded to other popular beaches, including Santa María, Palmilla, Chileno and Acapulquito.
“These are high-traffic tourist areas,” he said. “With video surveillance, we can improve coastal control, safety and oversight of concession holders.”
