17/06/2025
Orihuela Launches Enhanced Summer Security Operation for the Coast — Patrols by Land, Sea, and Air
In a decisive move to protect the growing number of residents and tourists along the coastline, the City of Orihuela has officially launched a wide-ranging summer security operation for Orihuela Costa. The new deployment includes patrols by land, sea, and air, with drones, jet skis, and a force of 56 local police and emergency officers tasked with maintaining order and rapid response capabilities.
The plan was unveiled on Tuesday during a formal presentation at Playa Flamenca, attended by Mayor Pepe Vegara alongside councillors Mónica Pastor (Public Safety), Víctor Valverde (Civil Protection and Emergencies), Manuel Mestre (Coastal Affairs), and Local Police Chief Rubén Selma.
A Multi-Layered Strategy for Peak Season
The enhanced operation aims to address the population surge during summer months, when Orihuela Costa’s population more than doubles. Councillor Mónica Pastor outlined the scope of the plan:
• 56 total personnel, including 51 Local Police agents, three officers, and two coastal coordinators.
• Aerial surveillance using drones, operated by two trained officers.
• Coastal patrols with two jet skis, three agents, and an officer dedicated to beach and maritime oversight.
• Land patrols ensuring increased presence across neighborhoods, commercial areas, and key traffic zones.
All teams will report under the direction of Rubén Selma, acting head of the Local Police.
Pastor emphasized that this effort reflects the administration’s “firm commitment to coastal safety,” and signaled the city’s intention to maintain these resources year-round—not just during the tourist season.
Emergency Services and Fire Prevention
Further bolstering the operation, Councillor Víctor Valverde announced the addition of a rapid response intervention vehicle, which will operate daily from 10:00 to 18:30. This unit will act autonomously and in coordination with other agencies, focusing in particular on:
• Quick response to emergencies, including fires.
• Special vigilance in forest areas to prevent negligent behavior and potential wildfires.
• Additional coverage for surrounding districts and Orihuela city center, with support from two more agents.
Valverde noted that this vehicle is critical in the “first minutes of an emergency,” especially when fire services may be delayed. He also praised the Civil Protection volunteers, who will reinforce the team during high-traffic days.
A Full-Spectrum Response to Summer Challenges
Coastal Affairs Councillor Manuel Mestre expressed satisfaction with the expanded deployment:
“This is a very necessary measure. With the population doubling in the summer, the demand for security, traffic control, and emergency response also increases significantly.”
Mayor Pepe Vegara echoed the message, stating:
“Once again, we are reinforcing police and civil protection services to ensure a high level of safety for all during the busiest months on our beaches.”
He stressed that the long-term objective is to establish a stable year-round police presence in Orihuela Costa and reiterated the city’s demand for additional Guardia Civil reinforcements from the national government. Discussions are also ongoing with the Valencian Generalitat to permanently station forest firefighters at the emergency center in Orihuela Costa.
“We want immediate response to any risk, especially wildfires,” the mayor said. “We hope they don’t occur, but we must be ready to fight them from the very first minute.”
In closing, Vegara thanked all officers and emergency personnel involved:
“They are the real heroes of this operation. Thanks to their dedication, residents and visitors can feel safe every day in Orihuela Costa.”