Murcia emergency services once again helped save the day for a beachgoer, this time in the shining municipality of Aguilas. A 77-year-old bather on the beach of La Cola, next to Calabardina, was successfully resuscitated after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest, giving bystanders and loved ones a scare.

Heroic rescue on the shore: Bystanders help to save a swimmer’s life

The incident occurred on Friday, July 10 at approximately 1:53pm, when the 1-1-2 Emergency Coordination Centre of the Region of Murcia received several calls alerting them to the incident. The man had been swimming in the water, but several heroic bystanders on the beach noticed he was unconscious. They pulled him to shore and immediately began resuscitation efforts before official emergency services arrived and took over the operation.

Emergency services rush to the scene

Local police officers from Aguilas, Civil Protection volunteers and an ambulance from the 061 Emergency and Health Services Management were dispatched to the scene. Medical staff, once they arrived, continued with resuscitation efforts and managed to recover the patient from cardiorespiratory arrest. The beachgoer was then transferred via ambulance to the nearby Rafael Méndez Hospital in Lorca for further treatment and medical examination.

The crucial role of bystander intervention on a beach with no lifeguards

The Emergency Coordination Centre of the Region of Murcia has highlighted that the beach where the incident happened does not have a lifeguard station, meaning that the quick thinking and intervention of the model bystanders until the emergency teams arrived was imperative for the rescue of the man.

Essential summer beach safety tips for swimmers

This dramatic rescue serves as a reminder of the vital role public awareness and quick action play in beach safety, especially on beaches that don’t have immediate lifeguard services available. Aguilas is one of Spain’s most popular destinations for beachgoing, but as the summer season peaks, emergency services continue to urge beachgoers to remain vigilant, swim in designated areas whenever possible, and never hesitate to call 1-1-2 at the first sign of trouble.

It is also important to stay well hydrated during peak summer months, make sure you are not getting into the water under dangerous conditions (including during high tide and stormy weather), avoid swimming alone, and always make sure a loved one or close friend knows your whereabouts.

Walking into a hot home and pushing the air conditioning down to 19°C feels like the fastest route to relief. However, Spain’s energy agency says it does not cool the room more quickly, while a setting closer to 24-26°C can provide comfort without making the unit chase an unnecessarily low temperature for hours.

Why setting air conditioning to 19°C does not cool a Spanish home faster

After walking indoors from the Spanish summer heat, there is an understandable temptation to grab the air-conditioning remote and immediately lower it to 19°C, 18°C or even less. It feels logical. The lower the number, the colder the air and the sooner the room should become comfortable. But the number on the remote is not an accelerator, it is the target temperature the machine is being asked to reach.  

Spain’s Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving, known as the IDAE, specifically advises against setting the thermostat lower than normal in an attempt to cool a home more quickly. According to the public energy agency, doing so will not make the house cool faster and can instead lead to over cooling and unnecessary electricity use.

If a room is sitting at 30°C, the air conditioner will begin working towards the selected target. Changing that target from 25°C to 19°C does not suddenly turn the air coming from the unit into a much colder blast. It mainly tells the system to continue cooling for longer.

What temperature range balances comfort with electricity use?

There is no single perfect temperature for every person or property. Humidity, clothing, air movement, insulation and activity levels can of course affect how warm or cool a room feels. However, Spanish energy and consumer guidance provides a useful range.

The IDAE says 26°C or above can be sufficient to keep a home comfortable when residents wear suitable summer clothing. Spain’s Organisation of Consumers and Users, known as the OCU, recommends setting domestic air conditioning between 24°C and 26°C.

That may initially sound high to people accustomed to setting the remote at 20°C. But the aim is not to recreate a British spring day indoors, it’s to make the home comfortably cooler than the street without forcing the appliance to reach a temperature it may struggle to maintain during the hottest part of the afternoon. A setting of 24°C or 25°C can therefore be a reasonable starting point, with small adjustments depending on the room and the people inside.

How one degree can change the cost of cooling a home

The difference between 19°C and 25°C may look small on an air-con remote-control screen, but it can become significan when the unit is running for several hours each day. The IDAE estimates that changing a climate-control setting by one degree can alter energy use by approximately 7 per cent. The OCU uses an estimate of around 10 per cent additional air-conditioning consumption for every degree the thermostat is lowered. Actual costs can depend on the unit, electricity tariff, insulation, room size and outside temperature.

This doesn’t mean every household will save the same amount by moving the setting upwards. But it does mean that putting the unit at 19°C for the day could significantly alter someone’s electricity bill.

For newer air-conditioning units, repeatedly switching the system on and off may use more electricity than allowing it to maintain a steady temperature. Once the room reaches the chosen setting, the unit slows down and uses less power. Turning it off and restarting it later forces the system to work harder to cool the room again.

Closing blinds can do work the air conditioner would otherwise have to do

The thermostat number is only part of the equation. Sunlight pouring through exposed windows can continue heating the room while the air conditioner tries to cool it. The IDAE recommends closing blinds, curtains or awnings before direct sunlight heats the property, then ventilating at night or early in the morning when outside temperatures are lower. It also advises cleaning air-conditioning filters regularly, since maintenance helps the system operate efficiently.

A fan can also make a higher air-conditioning setting feel more comfortable. The agency says moving air can create the sensation of a temperature reduction of between 3°C and 5°C while using relatively little electricity. 

Saving electricity shouldn’t mean allowing a home to become unsafe for the sake of a few euros

Keeping the thermostat slightly higher can reduce unnecessary consumption, but the advice isn’t a reason to avoid cooling a dangerously hot property. With various heatwaves hitting the peninsula and many deaths being recorded due to the excessive temperatures, Spain’s Health Ministry warns that extreme heat can cause tiredness and loss of sleep, aggravate existing illnesses and increase emergency hospital admissions. Older people, young children, people with chronic conditions and those living alone can face greater risks. 

During severe heat, maintaining a safe indoor environment takes priority over reaching an exact energy-saving number. Most households can begin at around 24°C to 26°C, keep doors and windows closed while the unit is on, block direct sunlight and give the room time to cool. 

Locals and holidaymakers have plenty to look forward to as La Cala de Mijas prepares up for its annual fair, running from Tuesday July 21 to Sunday July 26. Six full nights of fun, music, traditions, food and drink for all the family.

Official poster unveiled by mayor and councillor for festivities

Ana Mata, Mijas’s mayor, joined councillor for festivities Silvia Marin this week to unveil the fair’s official poster and full schedule of events. This year’s design has Claudia Mendo, crowned Queen of La Cala Fair back in 2025, at its heart, with the shot taken along the stunning scenic Senda Litoral footpath.

Opening evening doubles up as a children’s celebration

Proceedings get under way on July 21 with the customary opening speech at 9pm, before the fairground’s decorative lights are switched on at roughly 10.30pm. Timing works perfectly for families, since that same day marks Children’s Day, meaning fairground rides come at a discount. Tribute act Mecamela, paying homage to Camela, provides the evening’s music.

Elders honoured with dinner and Andalucian entertainment

Older residents are the focus on July 22, when a commemorative dinner formally names the fair’s Grandfather and Grandmother. Once dinner wraps up, sevillanas group Mujeres por Sevillanas hit the stage from 11.30pm, performing traditional Flamenco Andalucian dance style, joined by Maria de La Colina, Las Soles and Las Carlotas.

Youngsters rule the roost midweek

Children get their moment to shine on July 23, with a draw held to crown the fair’s Child King and Queen from those signed up in advance. K-pop Demon Hunters inspired troupe Las Guerreras del K-Pop entertains from 9.30pm, ahead of an 80s and 90s nostalgia party called Fiesta Playstar from 11pm.

Torreon will host daytime festivities

On Friday July 24 we see the launch of the Feria de Daa, a daytime fair separate from the evening events, held at the Torreon de La Cala. Festivities begin at 2pm with a bar, live music and play areas for youngsters running through to 7pm. Come nightfall, band Malamanera performs at the town hall marquee from 10.30pm, handing over to Las Nancys Rubias at midnight.

Horses, headline acts and closing water-themed finale

Daytime activities carry on through Saturday with a horseback procession departing from El Chaparral school at 8pm. Musical performances follow from Las Rodes and Sergio Contreras once evening sets in. Then bringing the event to a close, final celebrations open on July 26 with a water party from midday and further live music running through the afternoon session of the daytime fair. Pop singer Melody rounds things off with a headline set at the town hall marquee from 11pm.

Further details on schedule, timings and venues can be found through Mijas Town Hall’s official channels.