Barrier-free swimming: New zone for people with limited mobility at Palma's Cala Estància

More space by the water – and more safety

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On Palma's eastern shore, where the promenade in the morning still smells of fresh bread and dark coffee, something should change from the next swimming season: The city administration has filed an application for a specially equipped bathing zone in Cala Estància. Not a big show project. More a practical solution: separated water area, fixed walkways, handrails and 24 seats with shade directly at the water.

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Why here?

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The choice fell deliberately on Cala Estància. The small cove is wind-protected, the water stays calm — ideal when balance or mobility are restricted. Residents say that here one often sees older pedestrians with walkers, parents with strollers and people with water wheelchairs anyway. A neighbor I met on the promenade at 9 o'clock half-laughing said: "Finally a place where my mother can go into the sea without fear."

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The planned elements sound simple, but are well thought out: floating or fixedly anchored decks with non-slip surfaces, additional handrails, shallow accesses and 24 covered seating places directly at the edge of the beach. Also planned are connections for possible mobile bathing chairs and space for rescue personnel. The application lies with the coastal authority, which now must give the green light.

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Who is behind it?

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The initiative comes from the town hall, carried by local disability associations. The supporters see the zone as a pilot project – if the concept works, similar areas could follow at other urban beaches. At the same time there are questions about financing and maintenance: Who cleans the decks after storm days? Who takes over the ongoing costs for sun protection and benches?

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My impression of the place: On a short walk I saw fishermen making net repairs, teenagers with surfboards and older couples playing cards. The mood was calm. Exactly what makes Cala Estància suitable: no loud beach bars, no raucous activity – a place where barrier-free swimming makes sense.

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If all goes as planned, the first visitors could test the new zone as early as next summer. And if the administration follows up here: perhaps in the future we'll see at some beaches in Palma small but fine spots where mobility is no longer a hurdle.

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What is still missing: formal approval from the coastal authority, a clear maintenance plan and the decision about additional aids on site. But the mood in the neighborhood is positive – and that counts in a city that lives a lot from the sea.