With the summer season in full swing, questions over access to Croatia’s beaches, the use of sun loungers and parasols, and the rights of citizens on the maritime domain are once again in focus.
For this reason, the Mayor of Milna on the island of Brač, Frane Lozić, shared an informative post on his Facebook profile reminding the public of the legal provisions governing the use of public beaches, the placement of sun loungers and parasols, and what to do in the event of irregularities.
Mayor Ivana Marković, from Supetar on the island, also shared the same post in an effort to remind citizens of their rights.
The post is in full below.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ON THE BEACH?
Summer is a time for relaxation, but it is important to know your rights.
The maritime domain is not private property. The sea, seashore and beaches classified as maritime domain are common goods of interest to the Republic of Croatia and must be available for use under equal conditions, in accordance with the Maritime Domain and Seaports Act.
SUN LOUNGERS AND PARASOLS
Sun loungers and parasols may only be placed with a valid permit and exclusively in areas designated in the maritime domain management plan of a city or municipality.
It is important to know that:
• A permit to rent out sun loungers does not give anyone the right to occupy an entire beach.
• Sun loungers may not be placed outside the approved area.
• A free passage along the sea must remain available.
• Citizens cannot be prevented from using parts of a beach that are not covered by a valid permit.
NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO REMOVE YOU FROM A PUBLIC BEACH
No one has the right to remove you from a public beach or prevent you from using a part of the maritime domain that is not covered by a valid permit.
If someone insults you, threatens you, physically prevents you from using the beach or attempts to remove you from a public beach, call the police immediately on 192.
IF YOU NOTICE IRREGULARITIES
Before reporting an irregularity:
• Take photographs of the situation.
• Record the exact location.
• Note the date and time.
• Briefly describe the problem.
WHO SHOULD YOU REPORT IT TO?
The city or municipal maritime or communal warden
This is the first point of contact. A maritime warden supervises the use of the maritime domain, identifies irregularities, orders their removal and may initiate misdemeanour proceedings.
The Harbour Master’s Office
This should be contacted when the matter involves violations of regulations falling within its jurisdiction.
The State Inspectorate
This may be contacted if there is suspicion of unlawful use of the maritime domain or if the competent authorities fail to take the measures required by law.
The police – 192
Contact the police if someone insults you, threatens you, physically prevents you from using the beach or attempts to remove you from a public beach.
CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES ALSO HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibility for protecting the maritime domain does not lie solely with the holder of a permit. Cities and municipalities responsible for managing the maritime domain also have obligations.
Article 154 of the Maritime Domain and Seaports Act stipulates that every local government unit must have at least one maritime warden or a jointly organised service with other local government units.
A maritime warden must:
• supervise the use of the maritime domain
• identify irregularities
• order their removal
• take measures and initiate misdemeanour proceedings when the legal conditions for doing so are met.
If a city or municipality fails to establish a maritime warden service or fails to fulfil its legal obligations, the responsible person within the local government unit may face misdemeanour liability.
Article 204, paragraph 1, point 11 of the Maritime Domain and Seaports Act provides for a fine of between €1,300 and €6,000 for a responsible person who fails to ensure the fulfilment of obligations prescribed by the Act, including the obligation to organise a maritime warden service.
FINES FOR THE UNLAWFUL USE OF THE MARITIME DOMAIN
The law provides for fines for using the maritime domain without a permit or in violation of the conditions of an issued permit.
Depending on the type of offence, fines can reach:
• up to €33,000 for a legal entity
• up to €10,000 for a tradesperson
• up to €6,000 for an individual or a responsible person within a legal entity
The maritime domain is not anyone’s private property.
The sea and the coast belong to everyone. No one has the right to claim a beach as their own, block access or unlawfully deny citizens their right to use the maritime domain.
