While the remaining municipalities in the Faro district are scheduled to begin on 1 June, the region is moving forward earlier, despite ongoing difficulties in recruiting enough lifeguards ahead of the busy summer period.
Speaking to Lusa, Alexandre Tadeia, President of the Portuguese Lifeguard Federation (FEPONS), said the profession continues to struggle to attract and retain workers, citing long hours, demanding conditions and inadequate protective equipment. He added that the shortage has become a recurring challenge each year, as many certified lifeguards are university students who are only available during July and August, leaving beach operators understaffed at the start of the season.
“Every year we lose around half of the lifeguards who worked the previous season,” he stated, arguing that the current system is unattractive and lacks incentives. Although around 5,000 people hold lifeguard certification in Portugal, the majority are unavailable in May, severely affecting beach concessionaires’ preparations before opening dates.
As a result, many operators are increasingly relying on foreign workers to fill vacancies, particularly from countries such as Brazil and Argentina.
Tadeira stressed that long-term solutions are needed to make the profession more sustainable, including improved working conditions, career opportunities that allow lifeguards to work year-round, and reinforcing investment in training and aquatic rescue programmes for schools.
Jorge Azevedo, President of the Albufeira Lifeguard Association, explained that preparing for the bathing season requires planning throughout the year, with Albufeira maintaining lifeguard coverage on parts of its coastline during the winter, as well as municipal swimming pools.
While the official bathing season begins on Friday, 15 May, some beaches in the municipality have already been operating since April or early May. The beaches managed under the association’s plan depend on coordinated preparations to ensure sufficient staffing levels are in place.
