Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards FEPONS has used World Day for the Prevention of Drowning to renew calls for assistance to swimmers all year round on all Portuguese beaches. In a statement, the association explains that its Drowning Observatory recorded 155 deaths in the “aquatic environment” last year – a figure that “equals that of 2017 (…) the worst year recorded since the observatory was set up”. FEPONS argues that “significant political changes in this area” are urgently required, saying “local authorities should take sole responsibility for assisting bathers, through lifeguard associations”.
Federation calls for beach lifeguards all year round
Portugal only has lifeguards watching beaches between late May and early October
