Turismo Ribadesella

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The coastline is a shared resource, which is why the the City Council aims to involve all users of this project, promoting their collaboration and seeking the satisfaction of everyone who, in one way or another, enjoys Santa Marina Beach in Ribadesella.

For the Ribadesella City Council, environmental protection and the preservation of the natural environment are top priorities in municipal management. Equally important is the provision of quality services and the development of a globally accessible environment for all individuals, with or without disabilities. This includes continuously improving processes to eliminate any potential limitations or barriers that might prevent full enjoyment of the goods and services offered to citizens, all while maintaining their dignity and safety.

In line with this focus on accessibility, environmental protection, and quality, the principles governing the management of Santa Marina Beach include:

• Identifying and evaluating environmental impacts derived from beach management to reduce or eliminate them as much as possible, with the aim of preventing environmental pollution and achieving continuous improvement of the Integrated Management System.
• Complying with current laws and regulations applicable to the comprehensive management of Ribadesella's coastline, the quality of its waters, and the services provided to users.
• Setting objectives and providing the necessary resources, which will be periodically reviewed and updated by the competent management, to ensure continuous improvement in environmental performance and pollution prevention.
• Seeking to conserve natural resources by achieving quality in the processes carried out and minimizing the use of these resources through eco-efficient methods.
• Implementing continuous training and environmental education plans to raise awareness among employees and beach users about the importance of protecting the coastal environment.
• Making every effort to meet the needs and expectations of beach users to continuously enhance their satisfaction.
• And, finally, committing to the continuous improvement of the Management System.

This Policy applies to all activities, products and services at Santa Marina Beach under normal, unusual and emergency conditions.

Bathing season: from June 14th to September 14th, 2025, with the peak period of user attendance being from July 15th to August 15th.

Services during the summer season:

• 17 showers
• 8 foot rinsers
• 10 drinking fountains (2 accessible)
• 1 dog fountain
• 4 toilets
• 4 accessible toilets
• 1 lifeguard and first aid station
• 9 bike parking points
• 14 waste bins along the promenade and 10 in the sand
• 3 dog waste bins
• Parking
• Accessible parking
• Accessible entrance
• 3 main accesses
• 3 signposted information points
• Designated swimming area
• Public Address system
• Complaints and suggestion system: You can submit your complaints, claims or suggestions about the beach services via the satisfaction survey, at the Ribadesella Town Hall Entry Registry and in the Complaint and Suggestions Form available at the lifeguard station and the beach bars.
• Lost child identification system: beach users can collect an identification bracelet at the lifeguard station from 11.30 AM to 7.30 PM or the beach bars.
• Eco-friendly ashtrays
• Baby changing station in the toilet at the accessible point
• Lifeguard service hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
• 3 recycling points
• Assisted bathing service: equipped with amphibious chair and adapted crutches. Hours: dayly from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
• 3 beach bars: open every day, at least from 10:30 AM to 9 PM
• Beach library service: from July 1st to August 31st, Tuesday to Sunday from 4 PM to 8 PM

Objectives 2025

• Reduce the number of complaints and claims, improve the quality of the sand compared to the previous year, achieve at least 120 satisfaction surveys and reach a 4.5 rating in overall user satisfaction.

Achievement of 2024 Objectives

• Reduce the number of complaints and claims: Achieve
• Improve the quality of the sand compared to the previous year: Not achieve
• Obtain at least 120 satisfaction surveys: Not achieve
• Reach a 4.5 rating in overall user satisfaction: Not achieve

Results of the established indicators on environmental and health risks 2024

• Lifegaurd service actions: 232
• Stings from scorpion fish : 98
• Wounds and contusions: 96
• Bathing water quality: Good
• Sand quality: Good
• Microbiological analysis of beach bars: Normal
• Microbiological analysis of showers: Good

Indicators established for the 2025 season

• Showers, foot rinsers, toilets, drinking fountains, accesses and selective recycling points in good conditions.
• Quality of bathing water and sand, water temperature and number of days with a red flag.
• Microbiological analyses of beach bars and showers.
• Number of user satisfaction surveys and satisfaction levels with the lifeguard service, beach cleaning and overall satisfaction.
• Users complaints regarding beach equipment and facilities.
• Lifeguard service actions, emergency situations involving transfers, rescues, stings from scorpion fish, wounds and/or contusions attended to and drills performed.
• Beach and assisted bathing service users.
• Number of sports and leisure activities on the beach.
• Accessibility: satisfaction with accesses, toilets, parking areas and assisted bathing service.
• Environmental indicators: residual and hydrocarbon spills, the dry surface pollution, and consumption of natural resources: water and electricity.

Health Risk Prevention at Santa Marina Beach

Scorpion fish stings:

The scorpion fish, also known as spider fish, is a marine animal that lives partially buried in sandy or muddy seabeds. Its camouflaged coloration and its habit of burying itself in the sand, leaving only its eyes visible, make it very difficult to spot with the naked eye. Injuries caused by this fish in humans typically occur when accidentally stepping on it, as its dorsal spine injects venom into the foot. This venom rarely leads to severe complications, though it can cause inflammation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or irritation. Following the sting, an intense pain is felt almost immediately, which progressively worsens over time.

Precautions or tips to keep in mind when swimming at the beach to minimize the risk of being stung by this fish::

• Its presence increases in very shallow areas, sandy seabeds, and when the sea is calm.
• If you are only walking along the shore and not swimming, it is better to wear flip-flops or appropriate water shoes.
• Observe the seabed and watch carefully where you step, although, as mentioned, spotting it is quite difficult.
• If you see one, do not attempt to step on it or catch it.
• Pay special attention to children, as they tend to swim in areas with very shallow water.

If you feel very intense pain, it is likely that you have been stung by a scorpion fish. What should you do in this situation?

• Go to the lifeguard station as soon as possible. There, they will clean the wound and remove any visible spines. They will apply heat to the affected area using hot water (45ºC - 50ºC) for at least half an hour, as the venom is neutralized by heat.
• Do not apply cold, use tourniquets, or attempt incision and suction of the wound to extract the venom. These actions could increase the risk and result in rare vascular complications (such as tissue necrosis or gangrene) and infections.
• Take a painkiller to alleviate the pain and reduce inflammation.

Wounds and contusions resulting from the presence of stones and/or rocks:

At Santa Marina Beach, as in many other beaches in the area, the tides carry and deposit stones both on the sand and in the bathing area. Larger rocks can also be found at the western end of the beach. Stones are usually visible on the surface, but sometimes they can also be buried. These stones and rocks often cause incidents among beachgoers, resulting in cuts and contusions.

To avoid injuries, you can take the following precautions:

• Do not run in areas of the beach where there are stones.
• When swimming and standing, observe the seabed and walk carefully, avoiding running or swimming in shallow areas to prevent hitting your feet against the stones.
• If walking through areas with stones, wear flip-flops or appropriate footwear.
• If you get injured and require medical attention, go to the lifeguard station where you will receive assistance and care.

Environmental Best Practices at Santa Marina Beach

Santa Marina Beach is one of the most frequented sandy areas in the region. The high influx of visitors, along with the services and activities that take place there, makes it essential to ensure environmental monitoring and take preventive measures. This includes informing users about proper practices that we should follow to preserve our surroundings.

For this reason, we kindly ask that you follow these recommendations when visiting the beach:

• Do not throw waste on the sand or in the sea; dispose of it in the trash bins.
• Use the selective recycling containers located at the main entrances to the beach.
• Use eco-friendly ashtrays.
• Respect the marine flora and fauna.
• Respect the bathing areas.
• Be considerate of others' need for rest.
• Do not waste water in the showers, foot rinsers, and/or fountains. Use them only for the necessary time.
• Do not use soap, detergents or shampoo in the showers.
• Follow the instructions of the lifeguard service.
• Respect the rules and prohibition signs.

You can find general information about the quality of bathing water on the website of the National Bathing Water Information System managed by the Ministerio de Sanidad.