An initiative at Praia da Luz beach to provide access for beach goers with reduced mobility has been awarded first prize in the Portuguese Accessible Beach Competition 2010 with the prize being new equipment for the programme.
The prize, which was awarded to Lagos Câmara, recognised the high level of good practice at the beach during the bathing season.
The award, sponsored by the Vodafone Portugal foundation, was judged by a panel including representatives from the National Institute of Rehabilitation, the Water Institute, the Portugal Tourism Board, the Institute of Sea Rescue and the European Blue Flag association.
The amenities at Praia da Luz beach had to reach a strict set of criteria with planned parking, clear signage, ease of access to beach walkways, toilet facilities and a first aid station all being met as mandatory requirements.
Extra areas that were assessed included the provision of amphibious chairs and the quality of the information available for beach goers.
There are four beaches in the municipality of Lagos which have been granted accessible beach status, with Meia Praia, Batata and Porto de Mós joining Praia da Luz in this accolade. These beaches were all also awarded blue flags in 2010.
