Barcelona lifeguards on indefinite strike over lack of staff

Barcelona lifeguards are on an indefinite strike as of this Friday to demand better work conditions as they complain of a lack of staff during the high season. 

Their protest started at 10 am at Plaça Sant Jaume square, in front of Barcelona's town hall, while a city council plenary session was taking place.

The union CGT called the strike, as they say that mediation with Aunar, the company the service is outsourced to, has "failed." 

CGT member Ignacio Garcia has called on "politicians with power to talk about the situation." 

This strike comes at a time when Catalan public health officials urge swimmers to be cautious at both beaches and swimming pools following the recent drownings across Catalonia.

During the months of June and July, there have been 19 fatal drownings in Catalonia, 30 so far this year.