A historic agreement has been reached in the Canary Islands to establish the first sector-wide collective agreement for lifeguards and beach safety services. The deal, signed by the Federation of Citizen Services of Comisiones Obreras Canarias (FSC-CCOO), FeSMC-UGT, and the Association of Canary Islands Companies for Rescue and Vigilance, will remain in force from 2026 to 2029.
This collective agreement provides a standardised working framework across the archipelago, aiming to tackle job insecurity, improve working conditions, and address the shortage of professionals in lifeguard services along the Canaries’ coast.
Under the agreement, lifeguards will work an annual total of 1,695 hours with a minimum base salary of €1,400 per month, amounting to €16,800 annually. Boat captains and supervisors will earn €1,625 monthly; area managers will receive €1,712.59; and technical directors will make €1,926.68. Salaries will be adjusted annually in line with the real changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a guaranteed minimum increase of 2.5% each year.
Additional benefits include a €217 monthly bonus to compensate for working outdoors in challenging conditions, and workers stationed in La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma will receive a 20% insularity bonus. The agreement also stipulates a 15% pay premium for work on Sundays and outlines compensatory measures for shifts during the festive periods of December 24th and 31st.
In terms of health and safety improvements, the agreement mandates a paid 30-minute break for every two hours of continuous lookout duty, addressing issues of heat stress and fatigue. Companies are also required to provide urgent psychological support for lifeguards involved in traumatic incidents, such as drownings or serious rescues.
Lifeguards will receive protective clothing with UPF 50+ sun protection, wide-brimmed hats, and appropriate marine footwear. During extreme weather events, companies must adjust work schedules or cease static surveillance without impacting wages.
Finally, the agreement ensures the transfer of staff to new contractors while maintaining their employment conditions and seniority. FSC-CCOO regards this agreement as a significant step forward in recognising the skills and responsibilities of those ensuring safety on the beaches and natural aquatic spaces of the Canary Islands.
