Despite the heat, the sea is wintery: ten questions and answers about safety and surveillance on beaches

Is there surveillance on the beaches?

The “overwhelming majority” of beaches in Portugal are not monitored at this time of year, that is, they do not have “bathing safety device”, highlights AMN. Therefore, the response to a relief situation can be “delayed”.

But there are already some exceptions. Matosinhos says, since 2008, with a Bathing Rescue System in operation throughout the year, a service created by the city council. Last year, the municipality of Peniche also invested in a permanent solution to provide safe conditions on the coast.

Who has the responsibility?

Assistance to bathers, with the guarantee of the presence of lifeguards and the necessary materials, is the responsibility of the local authorities, but they can, on concession beaches, pass the responsibility on to the concessionaires, according to the decree-law dating from 2018.

When does the bathing season start?

The dates vary depending on the beaches, they are coordinated between the municipalities and the Portuguese Environment Agency and established through an ordinance, which has not yet been published this year. Last year, publication took place on May 5th, with the majority starting the season in June. Until publication, “nationally, it is considered that the bathing season runs from May 1st to October 30th”, reads the document.

Do these dates still make sense?

For the president of the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards (FEPONS), the bathing season “It cannot be restricted to just the summer, it has to be much more dynamic, just like the fire season.” “It has to be all year round because we use the beaches all year round”, argued Alexandre Tadeia to Lusa on Monday.

What is the “winter sea”?

In the current season, the “winter sea” brings a “high risk” due to the “effects of sea unrest”, explains AMN. The sea presents “morphology altered by the effect of the strong swell that normally occurs at this period of the year”, which creates “areas of bottoms, steep slopes and a greater occurrence of waterholes”, which are “the biggest cause of death from drowning on Portuguese beaches”.

What does the data on drowning deaths show?

Last year’s statistics are not yet complete, but between January 1 and September 30, the Drowning Observatory recorded 106 deaths. In the entire year 2022, 157 people died, an increase compared to the previous year (101). In 2020, there were 122 deaths, in 2019 there were 113, in 2018 there were 117 and in 2017, when the report began to be carried out, 122. In relation to this year, it is known since 13 deaths occurred in the aquatic environment between January 1st and February 29th.

What security behaviors should be adopted?

AMN presents some recommendations towards a “appropriate and responsible behavior.” From the outset, it is necessary “permanently monitor children and do not allow them to stray away”, in addition to “avoiding risky behaviour”, such as not going near water or walking on wet sand.

The advice also includes not turning your back to the sea, maintaining a “safe distance” from the water line, to avoid “being surprised by a wave”. If you witness a dangerous situation in the water, AMN advises you not to enter and request help via 112.

How many lifeguards does Portugal have?

In August last year, Portugal had 5,178 certified lifeguards, according to the Institute for Aid to Shipwrecked People. To attend the course, with 150 hours of training, you must be 18 years old, have completed the minimum mandatory education, have a valid citizen card and present a medical certificate proving physical and mental robustness.

Are there difficulties in recruitment?

Seasonality and remuneration are identified as obstacles in recruitment of lifeguards. To increase attractiveness, FEPONS advocates incentives such as discounts on tuition fees, in the case of university students, and the creation of a special career in the public service.

What is the weather forecast for the next few days?

The heat will continue over the next few days, according to forecasts from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere. Between Wednesday and Sunday, the maximum temperature will vary, for example, between 24ºC and 28ºC in Lisbon, between 24ºC and 26ºC in Porto and between 22ºC and 27º in Faro.