Lifeguards Report Many Visitors Disregard Warnings at Praia Formosa
At Praia Formosa, numerous visitors continue to ignore signs and lifeguard instructions, putting themselves in danger. The beach and its promenade - a popular spot for locals, commuters, and tourists - are often closed during rough weather, but many still enter restricted areas.
I would really like to say that we put up the warnings and that people respect them 100%, but more people disobey than obey. Unfortunately, barriers are put in place, signs are placed, and people jump over the barriers.
Marília Andrade, Administradora Frente Mar Funchal, RTP Madeira
Rough Sea Alerts Lead Authorities to Take Safety Measures
Whenever the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) warns of rough seas, officials check weather and sea conditions and take steps to prevent accidents. Despite these precautions, some residents and tourists still enter dangerous areas.
New Signs and Fines to Enforce Safety Rules
Authorities will install signs under Decree-Law 159/2012, which allows fines for people who cross barriers, enter forbidden zones, or ignore lifeguard instructions. Until now, warnings and barriers were the main way to control beachgoers.
The administrative offences provided for in points (b) and (c) of paragraph 1 of the previous article are punishable by a fine of between €30 and €100, with the maximum limit rising to €300 in the case of a legal entity.
Maritime Police Will Issue Fines Between €30 and €300
Beach authorities will not give fines directly. Instead, the Polícia Marítima will enforce them on-site. “What we have started to notice is that awareness no longer works,” Marília Andrade said, noting that previous efforts focused on raising awareness rather than punishment.
€30 to €100 applies to individual people
Up to €300 applies when the offence is committed by a company or organization, for example a business operating on the beach or an organized group acting as an entity
Fines apply for crossing barriers, for being in restricted areas, and fines for not respecting instructions of lifeguards.
The law has existed for a long time, but I think that in all areas there is always an effort to raise awareness and avoid fines. What we have started to notice is that awareness no longer works; more and more people do not comply, and when that happens, we really have to apply what the law provides for.
Marília Andrade, Administradora Frente Mar Funchal, RTP Madeira
Source: RTP Madeira
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