Hundreds of swimmers were surprised by a spring tide and string undercurrents on various beaches in Huelva province necessitating around 200 rescues of bathers who got into trouble.
Thre spring tide is a regular phenomenon along the Andalucian coastline in general but rather less so in Huelva province. Chiclana, Conil, El Palmar, Camposoto and San Fernando beaches were particularly affected.
Some swimmers suffered bruising, one suffered a broken rib but most were just plain scared. There were no serious injuries.
The tide, with high waves and treacherous undercurrents caught everyone by surprise but it wasn’t long before the red flags were fluttering in the breeze.