Sad toll on the beaches in the first three months of the season: 17 losses

We all run to the beaches to enjoy the summer and enjoy the ocean and beautiful beaches. However, the first three-month balance sheet of the National Maritime Authority (AMN), covering the period between May and July, was once again a sad reminder that the sea is no joke. Unfortunately, we lost 17 people on our beaches during this three-month period. On the other hand, with the timely intervention of lifeguards and teams, 868 people were rescued and 1,606 people were given first aid. When one sees those figures, one once again gives credit to the teams working non-stop in the field. Where did the most deaths occur? When we look at the announced data, there is a sad but very clear fact: 12 of the 17 people who lost their lives died due to drowning, and 5 died due to sudden illnesses (heart attack, etc.) they had in the water or on the beach. The most critical point is the places where deaths occurred. 14 of the 17 disappearances occurred in unsupervised, unsupervised beach areas without lifeguards or in areas where the swimming season was not opened. Three deaths due to drowning were recorded at beaches under lifeguard supervision (Peneco in Albufeira, São Rafael in Portimão and Ourigo beaches in Douro). Accidents that occur in unattended areas, on river and lake shores (at points such as Lagoa de Albufeira, Azenhas do Guadiana in Mértola, Peniche, Vila Real de Santo António) reveal the risk dimension of the job. What Should We Pay Attention to When Going to the Sea? To be frank, the Atlantic is not a calm pool like the Mediterranean; With its current, waves and suddenly deepening structure, it is no joke. We can summarize a few simple but life-saving rules that AMN also underlines and that we should always pay attention to in the field: Be sure to choose beaches with lifeguards: Secluded or secluded bays may be attractive, but the biggest risk is that there is no one to intervene in case of a mishap. Obey Flags and Lifeguards: When you see a red or yellow flag, do not say "nothing will happen to me" and jump into the sea. Be sure to heed the warnings of the lifeguards. Keep an Eye on the Children: It is necessary not to lose sight of the children on the beach, even for a moment, and to constantly follow them. Beware of Sudden Shocks and Eating: Suddenly jumping into ice-cold water in very hot weather or going into the sea right after eating puts serious strain on the body. It is necessary to pay attention to the digestion time after the meal. Avoid Direct Angles of the Sun: Especially between 11:00 and 17:00 are the riskiest hours for sunstroke and blood pressure problems. There are 671 officially designated swimming areas throughout Portugal (including the mainland and islands). When there are so many options, there is really no need to take risks in uncontrolled places just because it is a little quieter. When someone is in danger, it is best to immediately call 112 or inform the lifeguards instead of risking yourself. Let's continue to enjoy the sea safely without losing our taste. Source: Natasha Donn / Portugal News (Data: LUSA, AMN)