The longer, warmer days are already inviting people to take a dip but this is worrying the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards, which, in a statement released today, warns of the “high risk of drowning” on Portuguese beaches.

“Most of these beaches still do not offer any type of assistance to bathers, at a time when the sea is rough and dangerous”, warns the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards.

Expresso cites that among the main factors contributing to the high risk of drowning, the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards also highlights the “high temperatures that attract more people to the beaches”, the “generalised absence of lifeguards at this time of year”, as well as the “the seas currents and agitation” and the “the lack of aquatic safety among the Portuguese population, who do not recognise the dangers”.

“In fact, there is a growing trend that makes the months of April and May the most lethal in recent years in Portugal in terms of drowning”, highlights the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards.

The entity proposes giving “water safety training for the entire population”, in addition to “increased public investment in prevention campaigns and surveillance throughout the year”.