Beachgoers not allowed to carry watersports/diving equipment on the beach stairways from 9am to 7pm
Access to the popular Dona Ana and Camilo beaches in the municipality of Lagos is now regulated under a new set of rules that limit the access of people carrying nautical sports equipment on the beaches’ stairways.
The goal, says the local council, is to ensure safety on the stairways leading to these scenic coastal areas.
The regulation, which took effect on August 16, was implemented during the current bathing season following public consultation and approval by local authorities.
Explains the council, the decision to introduce the ‘Regulamento de Acesso às Praias da Dona Ana e do Camilo’ (Regulation for Access to Dona Ana and Camilo Beaches) stems from concerns about safety and comfort on the winding stairways that serve as the main access points to these beaches.
The challenges posed by beachgoers carrying large equipment for water sports, such as surfboards and diving gear, can create hazards on the narrow paths, the council says.
Thus, under the new rules, access to the beaches via the stairways is prohibited for people carrying boards, water sports vessels, or diving equipment between 9am and 7pm during the bathing season. Furthermore, the placement on the sand of any equipment for sports such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking or canoeing is also forbidden during the same schedule.
Violating these new rules can result in fines ranging from €55 to €550 for individuals and from €550 to €2,500 for companies.
In a statement to the press, the council says that these new rules have been implemented as part of its new responsibilities when it comes to managing the State’s public water domain. It adds that the regulation is part of a broader effort to “enhance coastal resources, manage pressure on the coastline, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.” The regulation also aims to “improve landscape quality and prevent potential risks.”
“The new municipal rules seek to balance the diverse uses and activities on the beaches while safeguarding the environment and ensuring the well-being of all beachgoers,” the council statement adds.
