As of: March 23, 2024, 7:02 a.m
By: Nico Reiter
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A lifeguard shortage threatens beach holidays in Italy.
New regulations are now making it more difficult to find suitable personnel.
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From setting up the deck chairs to paving the beach promenade to mowing the lawn, there is a lot to do in Italy to ring in the 2024 summer season.
This is nothing new for tourist places.
More and more beaches are now asking visitors to pay.
But from Lignano to Sicily there is unrest on the beaches.
The Dolce Vita in Bella Italia is not yet in sight.
There is now a sense of alarm among beach operators: 4,000 lifeguards are missing, Italian media report.
Part of the problem appears to be self-inflicted.
Lifeguards “Bagnini” are part of the picture on the beaches from Lignano to Sicily (symbolic photo).
© IMAGO/Nick Zonna
From 2024, new rules will apply that pose serious challenges to Italian beaches
The Italian lifeguards, also known as “Bagnini” in their red T-shirts, are a symbol for many holidaymakers.
However, this symbol seems to be disappearing more and more from Italian beaches.
Thousands of lifeguards are being sought across the country and outside Italy.
The summer job has lost its appeal: short-term employment contracts and monthly salaries (for twelve hours of work) between 1,400 and 1,800 euros.
A new law is also making the search more difficult, according to
La Repubblica
.
4,000 lifeguards are missing - new Italian law worsens the problem on the beaches
From April 1, 2024, lifeguards are only allowed to work as “bagnino” if they are aged 18 or over.
Previously this was possible from the age of 16.
The duration of training was increased from 30 to 100 hours.
The costs are around 500 euros.
The lifeguard license is awarded at the end of a training course after a final examination.
All of this seems to deter many young people from traditional summer jobs.
Italy is running out of lifeguards (symbolic photo).
The situation in the holiday destination is apparently getting worse.
© imago
Lifeguards in Italy must take an exam every five years
The lifesaver test must be renewed every five years.
Previously, a medical certificate was sufficient for an extension.
There are fears that experienced lifeguards could give up their duties.
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The new regulations aim to increase safety on the beach: instead of every 600 meters, a lifeguard must now be stationed every 180 meters.
According to criticism, this measure inevitably leads to a staff shortage that is difficult to remedy.
It is still unclear whether the lifeguard problem can be solved in time for the start of the summer season.
Not only beach operators, but also holidaymakers have to adhere to certain laws and rules.
Some of Italy's dream beaches even have bizarre laws.
(ml/no)
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