Expect a "new normal" on Spanish and Catalan beaches this summer. Just what that normal will be is not yet fully defined, but the way that access to beaches and distancing rules are handled could be very different from the relatively-uncontrolled re-opening of some beaches seen up till now, according to a draft prevention protocol being prepared by the Spanish Institute for Tourism Quality, to which radio network Cadena SER has had access.
When you reach the beach this summer, you are likely to find signs and noticeboards explaining new measures and norms of expected behaviour. And not only that: according to the report - still awaiting approval by Spain's health ministry - beach access points will be created, so that entry and exit can be controlled, in order to keep beach capacity to levels deemed safe in epidemiological terms.
The intention is to set a maximum capacity for each beach based on its area and taking into account the safety distances that are finally established. And from there, to allow entry only until capacity is reached, and then only allow more bathers in as earlier arrivals leave. Controls to prevent the entry of large groups are also envisaged.
As for the demarcation of space on the sand, one possibility is to define, with elements like parasols or landmarks, a series of paths to the water, thus also delimiting spaces between these paths for towels or sun loungers. Care will also be taken to maintain a minimum distance between the shoreline and the area occupied by the sunbathing public.
Finally, a need for additional beach maintenance staff is envisaged, especially with regard to the cleaning and disinfection of showers, bathrooms, changing rooms, sports facilities and children's areas.