The National Maritime Authority (AMN) today reiterated the safety behaviors that should be adopted on beaches and coastal areas in view of the forecast of a rise in temperatures over the weekend.
In a statement, the AMN advises permanent vigilance for children, who should “always be close to an adult”, and classifies approaching the water, walking on wet sand and turning away from the sea without a safe distance to avoid “being surprised by a wave” as risky behavior.
The organization, which is responsible for coordinating national activities carried out by the Navy and the Directorate-General for the Maritime Authority, insists that at this time of year the sea continues to pose “a high risk due to the effects of sea waves”, which create “areas of deep water, steep slopes and a greater occurrence of drowning”, the “biggest cause of death by drowning on Portuguese beaches”.
The AMN also warns that “the overwhelming majority of Portuguese beaches” are not yet being monitored, so “the response to a rescue situation may take a long time”.
“If you witness a dangerous situation in the water, do not go in and call 112 for help,” the statement said.
The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) indicated that from Thursday temperatures would be “well above average for the time of year”, with highs between 25 and 27 degrees, and could reach 30 degrees in some places on the mainland.
“We’re going to have the imposition of an easterly current that will bring tropical air circulation, affecting mainland Portugal. Temperatures are expected to be above average, above 10 degrees, with the exception of the Algarve,” meteorologist Maria João Frada told Lusa on Tuesday.