Modernity is also on the beach
The so-called smart beaches, as defined by the sector, are attractive, accessible and comfortable enclaves in which technology is put at the service of users with the aim of making their stay nice, simple and efficient . Big words that translate into realities such as Wi-Fi connection, mobile applications that report the state of the coast or the bathrooms and smart bracelets that allow the little ones to be located if they get lost . These are some of the facilities that we are beginning to see in smart beaches, although they are not yet widespread.
Despite the fact that more and more beaches are beginning to use technology to their advantage, those that have implemented technological solutions they are not yet a majority . In addition, they have started with small steps, opting only for some of the points that could make them really smart enclaves (in the technological sense of the word).
Are you "not without my smartphone"?
While some opt for Wi-Fi , which has already been implemented in several areas of the Spanish coast —such as some sections of the beaches of Punta Umbría (Huelva), in Calvià (Majorca) and in different beaches of Palma, Castellón and Barcelona—, other locations have chosen to develop more curious.
In Castellón, last summer u n smart bracelet program to locate children that they get closer with their parents, an initiative with which they continue this year. these bracelets they have a chip that allows recording the contact details of the relatives of the minors so that, in case they get lost in the middle of the crowd or in a moment of forgetfulness, it is easy to locate them.
Also in the province of Castellón, specifically in Oropesa , another of the solutions that little by little are reaching the coast is located. In this case, smart urinals. Located in La Conxa, Morro de Gos and les Amplàries They are controlled from the Tourist Office and the Town Hall of the municipality, which are in charge of managing the opening and closing hours remotely. They have a self-cleaning service and its use is free.
Punta Umbría, golden landscape
Other technological services that are beginning to be seen on the beaches are applications with updated information on parking spaces, areas to charge phones with solar energy or the possibility of making mobile payments when renting some of the typical pastimes (such as bananas...) for a day by the sea.
Over time, screens that show the UV index in real time may also be implemented. , the indicator that measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation coming from the Sun. As it is not always related to ambient light, it could be a good reminder for bathers of the greater or lesser need to protect their skin and encourage them to remove the cream from the bag.
All the information you need at your fingertips
Until now, no beach has all these characteristics, but there are many that make certain apps available to bathers that group the relevant information for the beach day . An example is iBeach, a free application that provides maritime, weather and beach information such as the color of the flag, the presence of jellyfish or the quality of the water. This information is compiled thanks to **Coastal Water Management (COWAMA)**, a comprehensive information system for forecasting the quality of waters and bathing areas that allows the state of the beaches to be predicted in real time.
The application also provides data on the places around the beach and other information of interest. In addition, the users themselves can send new details or curiosities about the enclave. The app gathers data from 3,500 Spanish beaches and up to 18,000 from southern Europe , so bathers can consult everything related to the place where they plan to spend a day of sea and sun before embarking on the trip.
BLUE FLAGS AND SMART BEACHES
The Blue Flag is an award given annually, since 1987, by the European Foundation for Environmental Education to beaches and ports that meet a series of environmental conditions and facilities. Spain is the country with the largest number of enclaves with blue flags —686 compared to 498 in France, second on the list—. Of the total in our territory, 586 correspond to beaches and 100 to seaports.
Now technology can become the greatest ally for the beaches that want to receive this certification. The municipalities that implement COMAWA, for example, in addition to allowing their users to know the data in real time through iBeach, will be able to permanently control the beaches at sensitive times, for example when spill situations occur, or be alerted immediately in the event that a pattern of poor quality is detected . In this way, they will be able to take the appropriate measures and avoid exposing bathers to pollution.
Blue as a synonym of quality
But not everything is innovation and new technologies. The authentic smart beach must also have other characteristics, from easy, safe and adapted access for people with disabilities even rubbish bins and containers that allow recycling or an emergency plan to deal with accidents or disasters, surveillance, a first aid team and drinking water points.
Looking to the future, umbrellas that regulate themselves based on the orientation of the sun or an app that allows you to reserve a place on the sand to leave your towel also seem attractive options for coastal areas. However, until the true smart beach revolution arrives, the greatest technological presence will continue to be the telephones of bathers, those from which they cannot be separated even on vacation . A selfie to remember that we haven't disconnected?
A 'selfie' will fall (and you know it)