The APA announced on its website that the swimming ban has been in effect since Monday.
Speaking to Lusa, Altino Bessa, Braga’s municipal councilor for the environment, stated the ban was imposed following complaints from seven swimmers on Sunday who experienced eye irritation and skin itching.
“Two of them visited the hospital, but stayed for less than an hour, while others declined assistance. One 14-year-old was not treated after his parents signed a liability waiver,” he noted.
Water samples have been collected and are undergoing laboratory analysis. The swimming ban will remain until the results are available.
Altino Bessa suggested that the issue may not be due to the water quality, given that hundreds of swimmers were present, and only seven reported problems.
The issue might be related to pollen allergies from grasses in the area, he added.
Grasses are known to be a leading cause of respiratory allergies, particularly during spring and summer when they release significant amounts of pollen into the air.
“This is just a hypothesis, and only the test results will provide definite answers,” stressed Altino Bessa.
This year, Adaúfe beach’s water quality was awarded the “Gold” status by the environmental association Quercus.
The beach also received a blue flag this bathing season.
