Two Decades Guarding Punta Ballena
Miguel Lazareno has spent 27 years working as a lifeguard on the crowded beaches of Mallorca, overseeing the stretch of coastline in Magaluf known as Punta Ballena. Son of the historical RNE journalist Fernando Lazareno and a black belt in judo, Lazareno has spent nearly three decades managing emergencies, rowdy crowds, and medical crises along the Mediterranean shore.
A Quieter Shift on the Mallorca Coastline
The character of the beachfront has transformed dramatically over the last four years, according to Lazareno. Earlier in his career, lifeguards routinely served as the first responders to brawls, thefts, and groups of drunken hooligans, frequently placing emergency calls to the police themselves. Today, the heavy influx of intoxicated tourists has given way to families and younger visitors seeking a significantly quieter atmosphere.
Vigilance and Diplomacy on the Sand
Maintaining safety along the busy shore requires high physical endurance, strong swimming capability, and constant vigilance. Lazareno emphasizes that a lifeguard’s primary duty relies on prevention—anticipating risks before emergencies fully develop rather than reacting after the fact. Over years of service, staff members also develop diplomatic skills to keep beachgoers calm and approachable.
The Emotional Toll of Resuscitation
While successful rescues bring rewarding moments—such as older visitors returning years later to express gratitude after being pulled unconscious from the water—the work carries severe emotional tolls. The most difficult aspect of the job involves performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on drowning victims who cannot be revived, followed by delivering the news to grieving families.
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