In a statement, the municipality indicated that surveillance will be maintained between 1 October and 31 May, a period not covered by the bathing season determined by the Government, through a mobile water rescue and pre-hospital assistance team.

The measure is the result of a protocol between the municipality and the Portimão Firefighters' Humanitarian Association, which allows the operation of a unit composed of firefighters “duly trained for surveillance and intervention on the coastline”.

“The unit will operate using the council's technical resources assigned to the municipal civil protection structure and in conjunction with the Maritime Authority”, the note reads.

According to the local authority, operational equipment for water rescue has already been purchased, “designed for this type of mission, with an investment of around 70,000 euros, and the purchase of additional equipment deemed necessary to help fulfil this operational aspect is planned”.

Patrolling and surveillance will be carried out daily between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

The municipality justifies the continued surveillance of the municipality’s beaches by the fact that Portimão “is a destination […] sought out by thousands of visitors even in the so-called low tourist season”.

If bathers need help or support, they should contact 112 (the European emergency number) or, alternatively, the Protection 24 Line, on 808 282 112, which operates 24 hours a day, all year round.