As of: March 23, 2024, 7:01 a.m
By: Martina Lippl
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Lifeguards “Bagnini” are part of the picture on the beaches from Lignano to Sicily (symbolic photo).
© IMAGO/Nick Zonna
Italy will soon start the 2024 holiday season. A new law is stirring up a lot of sand on Italy's beaches.
Rome – Setting up deckchairs, paving the beach promenade or mowing the lawn – there is a lot to do in Italy at the start of the 2024 summer season.
Tourist towns know this. The beaches from Lignano to Sicily are buzzing.
There is still little trace of the Dolce Vita in Bella Italia.
There is alarm among beach operators: 4,000 lifeguards are missing, Italian media report.
The problem is apparently partly homemade.
Applies from 2024 – new regulations pose fatal problems for beaches all over Italy
Italy's lifeguards - the so-called "Bagnini" with their red T-shirts - embody a myth for many vacationers.
However, this myth seems to be disappearing on Italian beaches.
Thousands of lifeguards are wanted throughout Italy, including abroad.
The summer job has now lost its appeal: short employment contracts and monthly salaries (twelve hours of work) between 1,400 and 1,800 euros.
A new law is tightening the search, reports
La Repubblica
.
Most of Italy's beaches are privately owned.
4,000 lifeguards are missing - new Italian law worsens problem on 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 the training was extended from 30 to 100 hours.
Cost around 500 euros.
The lifeguard license is issued at the end of a training course with a final exam.
All of this apparently scares many younger people away from the classic holiday job.
Italy is running out of lifeguards (symbolic photo).
The situation in the holiday destination is apparently getting worse.
© imago
Lifeguards in Italy have to retake the exam every five years
The lifesaver test must be repeated every five years.
Previously, a medical certificate was sufficient for an extension.
Experienced lifeguards could leave the service, it is said.
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The new regulations aim to ensure more safety on the beach: instead of every 600 meters, a lifeguard must now be posted every 180 meters.
According to criticism, the measure will inevitably lead to a gap in staff that will be difficult to fill.
It remains to be seen 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 have bizarre laws.
(ml)