Lagoa installs people counting devices at local beaches

People counting devices are being installed at Lagoa’s beaches to show real-time occupancy levels.

These automatic sensors detect how many people have arrived at and left the beach, providing beachgoers with accurate and up-to-date numbers.

“Before heading to the beach, people can check the occupancy rate and make a more informed choice,” says Lagoa Council.

The system was inspected first-hand last Friday by José Apolinário, the Algarve’s regional coordinator in the fight against Covid-19. He was accompanied by Lagoa Mayor Luís Encarnação, the president of the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) Pedro Coelho, the Portimão Port Commander Rodrigo Gonzalez dos Paços, the Deputy District Commander of Civil Protection Abel Gomes and the Lagoa Fire Commander Vítor Rio.

Beach occupancy levels will be revealed on the council’s website and Facebook page as well as through the ‘Info Praia’ app created by APA, which can be downloaded via ‘Google Play’ and the ‘App Store’.

The information will be presented in a manner similar to traffic lights, the council explains, “but in this case, the red light does not mean people aren’t allowed access to the beach; it just warns beachgoers that the occupancy level is above two-thirds of its maximum capacity”. Yellow means the occupancy level has surpassed one-third of its capacity, while green indicates the beach hasn’t reached one-third of its capacity.

“If we all follow the safety and distancing rules in place, we will be able to enjoy the best of what the summer and our magnificent beaches have to offer,” concluded Lagoa Mayor Luís Encarnação.

michael.bruxo@algarveresident.com