A YouTuber is facing a criminal investigation for allegedly encouraging people to pretend to drown so lifeguards would come to their aid.
Council bosses at the resort popular with holidaying Brits have said it will file a complaint with prosecutors against Nil Ojeda Morales.
Officials accuse the social media star of “simulating danger” and believe he has allegedly contravened other laws.
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Ojeda boasts millions of followers and subscribers across his YouTube, TikTok, and other social media accounts.
In July, he launched a challenge encouraging his fans to pretend to drown on Alicante’s San Juan and Postiguet beaches in front of lifeguards.
He said at the time: “Find a lifeguard, stand in front of them, and start pretending to drown.
“Fall to the ground, acting as if you’re drowning outside the water.
“If you’re lucky, you might win the prize.”
Ojeda said that “winners” would receive clothes from his own brand, Milfshakes, as reported by Need To Know.
Ojeda’s challenge went viral and reportedly led to several false alarms at the beaches in question that month.
Later, in August, two young people were fined for faking drownings in nearby Guardamar de Segura.
Alicante City Council said the challenge had put local lifeguards “on edge” and posed a “potential danger” to other bathers.
In addition to reporting Ojeda for breaking the law, councillors will request the closure of his social media accounts.
Council spokesperson Manuel Villar explained: “We want to hit him where it hurts the most – his followers and his content – so that it’s not just a matter of a court case or an administrative order.
“You can’t use these actions to gain publicity, make money, and put people’s lives at risk.”
Under Spanish law, those convicted of simulating danger face up to a year in prison or a fine of up to 18 months’ wages.
Thousands of Brits flock to Alicante in Spain’s Costa Blanca region for their summer hols.
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