By Adam Woodward
In Benalmadena, Spain, the colour signalling danger on the beach isn’t red. It’s purple!
This shade indicates an “extreme” risk of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, according to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) five-level scale. This summer, Benalmadena’s coastline will introduce innovative devices called “solmáforos” to display these warnings.
Benalmedena Council has launched a tender for the supply and installation of 20 solar-powered “solmáforos” across nearly all of the town’s beaches. Companies have until July 17 to submit bids, with installation expected to be completed within 25 days, so that the devices are operational this summer season.
Powered by solar panels and equipped with lithium batteries, the “solmáforos” will continuously display the UV radiation risk levels based on the WHO scale: green for low, yellow for moderate, orange for high, red for very high, and purple for extreme. Solmáforos were first introduced to the Costa del Sol in Fuengirola back in 2023.
The “solmáforos” will enable beachgoers to make informed decisions about sun exposure and reduce associated health risks. The devices will be installed at Carvajal, Tajo de la Soga, La Morera, La Perla, Playa Bonita, Arroyo Hondo, Malibú, La Viborilla, Benalnatura, La Yuca, Torrequebrada, Torrevigía, Los Melilleros, Arroyo de la Miel, El Bil Bil, Santa Ana, Las Gaviotas, Malapesquera, Torrebermeja, and Fuente de la Salud beaches.