- The Municipality of Guardamar del Segura has closed all 11 km of its beaches due to sightings of the blue dragon sea slug (Glaucus atlanticus).
- One live specimen was found at Playa Centro, and four more at Les Ortigues.
- The blue dragon is a small but venomous marine mollusk, posing a risk to beachgoers.
- The beach closures are preventive measures for public safety and will remain until further notice.
- Previous closures occurred after similar sightings near Playa de Vivers.
guardamar del Segura Closes Beaches After Blue Dragon Sea Slug Sightings
The picturesque Mediterranean beaches of Guardamar del Segura have been temporarily closed following several sightings of the vibrant blue sea slug known as the Glaucus atlanticus, or blue dragon. This unusual mollusk, while small and striking in appearance, carries potent venom that can be dangerous to swimmers, prompting local authorities to act swiftly to protect visitors.
Why Are the Beaches Closed?
On August 22, the local government announced a full closure of the municipality’s 11 kilometers of beachfront to ensure the safety of families and individuals enjoying the water. according to Mayor José Luis Sáez, the precaution is necessary after multiple live blue dragons were found washed ashore, including:
- One live specimen spotted at Playa Centro - one of Guardamar’s busiest beaches.
- Four additional specimens found at Les Ortigues.
Previously, the municipality had prohibited swimming briefly after two blue dragons were found at Playa de Vivers, but the new closures are more comprehensive and will last until further notice.
About the Blue Dragon (Glaucus atlanticus)
The blue dragon is a small, striking marine mollusk, no longer than 3 cm, famed for its brilliant blue and silver hues that help it camouflage on the ocean’s surface. Although visually captivating, it feeds on venomous prey like the Portuguese man o’ war and can accumulate their toxins, which it uses defensively. Contact with the blue dragon can cause intense pain and allergic reactions, making it a potential hazard for swimmers.
Beach Closure Timeline and Safety Measures
| Date | Location | Action Taken | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 20 | Playa de Vivers | Swimming temporarily banned | Two specimens found |
| August 22 | All beaches (11 km) | Full closure | One specimen at Playa centro, four at Les Ortigues |
The initial beach closure lasted until 12:00 p.m. on August 21, minimally affecting lifeguard-supervised swimming hours (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Though,the more recent closure took place shortly before 7 p.m. on August 22, coinciding with the end of lifeguard duty to minimize risks during unmonitored hours.
What Should Beachgoers Do?
- Stay informed about local beach advisories and closures.
- Avoid touching or handling any strange sea creatures washed ashore.
- Keep children and pets away from the water and beach areas where blue dragons are sighted.
- Seek immediate medical attention if stung by or in contact with a blue dragon.
- Respect local authorities’ warnings to ensure public safety.
Looking Ahead
The Guardamar del Segura City Council is monitoring the situation closely, and the beach closures will remain in effect until experts determine it is safe for the public to return. This proactive approach demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to safeguarding both residents and tourists from potential marine hazards.
For visitors planning their trips, staying updated through official municipal sources and local news outlets will be essential over the coming days.
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