Despite the weather being an ideal blend of sun and gentle breeze, perfect for lazy days at the beach, the swimming season is over and most of the Algarve’s beaches no longer have lifeguard cover.
The National Maritime Authority recommends that people opt for beaches that have permanent cover and that swimmers 'adopt a culture of safety and prevention.'
Because most beaches now are not permanently guarded, the Authority recommends:
- if you are not sure about sea conditions, don’t risk it
- don’t swim within three hours of a meal
- never turn your back on the sea
- watch children 100% of the time and don’t let them play near the water’s edge without direct supervision
- pay special attention to rip tides. These can be fatal. If you are swept out to sea on one, don’t fight it. Try and attract help but always swim parallel to the coast line until you no longer feel the current. Then you can swim to shore.
Another tourist had to be rescued from the beach at the famous Benagil cave after swimming there from Benagil and collapsing, unconscious.
The Ferragudo lifeboat was called out and found the 49-year-old swimmer had regained consciousness, having been attended to by two lifeguards.
The lifeboat crew took him to Bengil beach where he was transferred to an ambulance and taken to Portimão Hospital for treatment.
Despite warning signs that it is dangerous to enter the cave, many people still swim from Bengail to see the beautiful cave and hidden beach.
