“Guaranteeing the desired levels of safety when using the steps leading to these bathing areas is the objective of the regulation that came into force on 16 August, taking effect during the current bathing season, having been preceded by public consultation and approval by the municipal bodies”, says the City Council of Lagos, in the district of Faro.
In the note, the municipality highlights that since access to the beaches of Dona Ana and Camilo is “via a winding staircases”, there was a need to, “for the sake of safety and comfort, limit the use of users carrying bulky equipment intended for the practice of water sports activities”.
Therefore, during the bathing season, between 9:00 and 19:00, access to the two beaches is prohibited “via the staircase, for owners of surfboards, water sports boats and equipment for underwater diving”, the note reads.
In addition, the municipality adds, the “placement of material/equipment to support the practice of water sports activities such as surfing, Stand Up Paddle (SUP), windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking or canoeing on the sands of these bathing areas” is prohibited.
Anyone who violates these rules will be subject to administrative penalties, with fines that “can range from 55 to 550 euros (for individuals) and from 550 to 2,500 euros (for businesses)”, quantifies the Lagos City Council.
“This initiative is part of the municipality’s new responsibilities regarding the management of maritime beaches integrated into the State’s public water domain and arises from the need to promote the valorisation of coastal resources, manage pressure on the coastline and bathing areas, in order to ensure the sustainable exploitation of natural resources, the improvement of the landscape and, no less importantly, adequate risk prevention”, concludes the local authority.