In a statement, Luís Carvalho emphasized the need for increased “investment in security outside of the bathing season,” a practice already implemented by some municipalities due to weather conditions, beach activities, and sea sports taking place year-round.
“With the transfer of competencies law, municipalities have an increasing responsibility for bathing assistance. Several municipalities have adapted, with permanent beach rescue teams. Perhaps this is a path all municipalities will have to follow,” he noted, aligning his comments with the opening of the bathing season today at 127 beaches in the North.
According to Carvalho, “climate change results in extreme phenomena both inside and outside the bathing season.”
“Municipalities must adapt accordingly,” he said.
He highlighted Matosinhos, where for several years, a team of lifeguards operates year-round, responding swiftly to out-of-season heat waves and ensuring safety at popular beaches.
Similarly, Espinho has a year-round beach rescue structure managed by civil protection, addressing out-of-season beachgoer situations.
“There’s an increasing need for patrol and presence to ensure safety on the beaches all year round,” he stressed.
This does not negate the need for a different security approach during peak holiday periods when there is a constant influx of beachgoers.
Regarding the current beach safety model, Carvalho warns that “a large percentage of the young individuals executing these tasks are students involved in classes and exams.”
“Their availability is always partial, not total. Their primary connection is with the university. If they encounter exam difficulties, they will prioritize their studies over lifeguarding duties,” he noted.
The head of Northern beach concessionaires stated that “the paradigm will need to change in many areas” and that the Portuguese Federation of Concessionaires has proposed several amendments to the law to avoid relying heavily on students for lifeguard staff.
Reception to these proposals has faced challenges due to widespread competency distribution in terms of oversight.
“We hope that, with the new Government, we can reach a higher level of conversation and identify someone to coordinate this issue, because the current model is misaligned with reality,” he emphasized.
Currently, the North opts for a shorter bathing season than the South, opening later and closing earlier due to lower beach attendance and the difficulty in hiring lifeguards.
As for business expectations for the bathing season, Northern concessionaires remain weather-dependent.
“Last year, we experienced a relatively weak summer due to significant climatic instability. Beach business heavily relies on the climate. We always hope for good weather, which truly makes the difference for business,” he stated.
