en 
This is the highest figure for the first seven months of the
year since FEPONS's Drowning Observatory began collecting statistics in 2017,
the federation said.
According to a statement, 35 deaths occurred at sea and 31
in rivers, with eight deaths in wells, six in dams and three in domestic
swimming pools.
On 12 July, the Drowning Observatory released the report for
the first half of the year, revealing that the victims are mainly men (72.1%)
and the fatalities occur in unsupervised locations (97.15%).
“At a time when there is a huge difficulty in hiring
lifeguards, and at a time when temperatures are going to rise, these
conclusions worry FEPONS, which calls on politicians for an urgent review of legislation
in this sector”.
On 19 July, the AMN and the Directorate-General for Health
(DGS) joined forces to raise awareness among the Portuguese population about
care to be taken on the beaches with the campaign “Together for a Safer
Summer”.
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Sadly the reporter didn't dig any further than saying there's lack of lifeguards. Here we go:
.The ISN, subdivision of the Maritime Authority AMN failed to provide training courses.
2. The wages are to cry for.
3. Lifeguards are paid by private beach concession holders,.
4. Lifeguards patrol the beaches from June 1 until September 30, no work nor pay at the end of the bathing season.
Working conditions are far from ideal:
1. The quality of the rescue material is below par.
2. There are no towers on the beaches,
3. no jetski's, most lifeguards do not have a jet ski licence,
4. large beaches are often patrolled by 2 Lifeguards that work 10 hours a day,
5. During lunchtime there's only 1 lifeguard on duty, this is a total of 2 to 3 hours per day.
5. there are no walky talkies,
6. Lifeguards get trained and have exams in swimming pools.
7. By law, a lifeguards' responsibility is limited to the concession area, this area is 'hired' by private people who pay the lifeguards. Some councils excepted here.
Shall I go on? Who wants to be a lifeguard now? Ha! Not so strange after all to have so many victims. Most people these days are rescued by surfers. Step up your game PM, if you pride your nation for beaches and tourism, than provide a proper standard. Amen.
By Olli B from Alentejo on 13 Aug 2022, 21:34
Ollie is absolutely correct and I would also add that everyone has the right to learn how to swim well; it is beyond shameful that so many children don't learn how to swim well, that despite all the water waste in the Algarve especially, it is public pools which must shut down (instead of continuing with swimming lessons and swimming opportunities) . Regrettably Portugal only cares about counting tourist entries, and selling over-priced properties without quality. Portugal continues in free fall .
By S from Other on 14 Aug 2022, 18:30