Can a lifeguard really fine you for swimming under a red flag?
A Spanish lawyer clears up the confusion over beach safety rules and who actually has the power to sanction
It is a familiar sight on Spanish beaches in the summer. The red flag is flying, the waves are rough, and a lifeguard is blowing their whistle and waving a swimmer back to shore. Sometimes, the discussion gets heated and you may even hear people mutter about possible fines. But can a lifeguard really fine you for ignoring their warning?According to Spanish lawyer Xabi Abat, the answer is simple: no. In a video that has gone viral online, he explains that lifeguards have no legal authority to fine anyone or physically force them out of the water.
“A lifeguard can tell you to leave the sea, but not force you to do so,” Abat says. Their role is to monitor, prevent accidents and warn bathers of danger. If someone refuses to follow their advice, the most they can do is alert the police or the Guardia Urbana.
This is where fines can come into play. If the police are called, they can assess the situation and decide whether a law has been broken. In that case, the fine would come from the authorities, not the lifeguard.
Many beachgoers assume lifeguards are a kind of law enforcement, but Abat stresses they are not. “They are professionals whose mission is to protect and warn,” he says. “The legal power to sanction lies elsewhere.”
The video has sparked a lively debate online. Some applaud the clarification, saying it is important to understand the limits of a lifeguard’s authority. Others argue that common sense should prevail and that swimmers have a responsibility to heed safety warnings, regardless of the legal technicalities.
So, while ignoring a lifeguard’s instructions will not earn you an instant fine, it could still land you in trouble if the police get involved. And more importantly, it could put you in real danger.
You might also be interest in: Can your community charge you for bringing guests to the pool?
Image: Public Co/Pixabay
If you own a property in Spain but are not a resident, you are required to pay tax regardless of whether you use the property as a holiday home, rent it out to others, or are selling it.
IberianTax specialises in helping non-resident property owners in Spain file their necessary tax returns online using the Modelo 210 tax form.This Spanish-registered company, which is fully recognised by the Spanish government and trusted by hundreds of satisfied customers, helps non-resident property owners in Spain to simplify the tax returns process with their user-friendly platform and expert guidance.
What is a Modelo 210 tax form?
Modelo 210 is the Spanish tax form for non-residents. It applies to individuals who do not live in Spain but own a property there and need to declare property-related taxes.
There are different types of Modelo 210 forms depending on the nature of the tax:
- Modelo 210 Imputed Income for tax on owning a property for personal use.
- Modelo 210 Rental Income for tax on income earned from renting out the property.
- Modelo 210 Capital Gains Tax for tax due on the sale of the property.
How to file your non-resident Modelo 210 tax with IberianTax in 3 steps
- Create an account: Register for free to create an account or log in. You can start for free, including a free tax estimate calculation, and pay only when you submit your Modelo 210.
- Fill out your information: Use the simple IberianTax questionnaire to enter the property and owner details, with step-by-step guidance and examples provided.
- File your taxes: Choose your payment method, and IberianTax will take care of the rest, filing your Spanish non-resident tax return online.
Why use IberianTax to file your Modelo 210?
- Quick: Create an account for free and start right away. File your Form 210 online within minutes.
- Simple: The process is questionnaire-based with step-by-step guidance, requiring no tax knowledge.
- Low Cost: Cheaper than any tax consultant or accountant, with services starting at only €34.95, compared to typical fees of around €120.
- Online Payment: There’s no need to be in Spain; You can file your 210 Form online from anywhere, anytime, with three payment methods available.
- Accurate: Developed by tax experts, IberianTax’s software ensures 100% accuracy with in-built checkers for tax calculations.
- Secure: Using data encryption, IberianTax ensures the highest level of security for your private information, along with secure payment options.
- Certified: Fully recognised and approved by the Spanish tax authorities.
- Multilingual: Services are provided in English, French, and German, with online support available in your language to ensure clarity in your tax return submission.
Whether you need to file taxes for personal use, rental income, or capital gains, IberianTax offers a comprehensive, reliable, and cost-effective solution for non-resident property owners in Spain.
Get started now on the IberianTax website or, if you have any further questions, the team will be happy to answer them. Just use the contact box above, or fill in the contact form on their website.
Alternatively, you can send an email to contact@iberiantax.com and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
