The National Maritime Authority (AMN) today advised the population to adopt “safety behavior” when going to the beach or coastal areas during the weekend, stressing that the sea is still winter.
In a note, the AMN emphasizes that «it is important to take into account that the sea, at this time of year, is a winter sea and presents a high risk due to the effects of sea agitation, also presenting its morphology altered by the effect of strong swells which normally occurs during this period of the year, creating areas of bottoms on the beaches, steep slopes and a greater occurrence of waterholes, which are the biggest cause of death from drowning on Portuguese beaches».
Furthermore, the authorities warn of the fact that «the majority of Portuguese beaches are not monitored at this time of year, that is, they do not have bathing safety devices» and «as such, the response to an emergency situation may be time-consuming, so the population must behave appropriately and responsibly, not putting themselves in risky situations».
The AMN thus advises to “permanently monitor children and not allow them to stray away, always keeping them close to an adult”; «avoid risky behavior, not approaching the water or walking on wet sand» and «do not turn your back to the sea and always offer a safe distance from the waterline, avoiding being surprised by a wave».
«If you witness a dangerous situation in the water, do not enter and ask for help via 112», warns the AMN.
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