Portugal | More Beaches Supervised by Lifeguards this Year

According to a report by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy of Portugal, 740 beaches of the country have been officially recognized, of which 605 are supervised by lifeguards, 10 more than last year.

In addition in 2025, Portugal will have 673 identified bathing waters, nine more than last year, and these areas that may correspond to more than one beach. The nine bathing waters created in 2025 are :

•    Monte Velho/Porto de Carretas, Santiago do Cacém 
•    Cornicovo, Penacova
•    Valongo – Breda, Mortágua
•    Rodanho, Viana do Castelo 
•    Foz do Lima, Viana do Castelo 
•    Boiçô, Sertã
•    Marmeleiro , Sertã
•    Montalvo/Tesos, Ponte de Sor 
•    Olhos de Agua de Alveila, Alcanena

 
The Minister of Environment and Energy of Portugal, Maria da Graça Carvalho stated that the way the country is managing its beaches is an affirmation of public responsibility and commitment toi health, protection and inclusion.

This is also a proof that it is possible to do better, from 2024 to 2025, when there is coordination between institutions and a clear focus on the common good.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy also recalled that APA, the Portuguese Environment Agency carries out around 10.000 analyses per year, ensuring continuous monitoring of safety for bathers, highlighting that water quality remains high.

In 2024, 82.6% of bathing waters were classified as "excellent" with the Azores leading with 95.5%, followed by the Algarve and Alentejo.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy also highlighted the increase in registrations, 254, that the "accessible Beach for All!" programme registered in 2025, 10 more than in 2024.

The objective is clear : to ensure that more people with reduced mobility can enjoy the coast and inland waters with autonomy and dignity. The aim is to improve pedestrian accessibility conditions, ramps, crosswalks, adapted bathrooms and equipment such as amphibious chairs.

The Ministry also noted that Portugal maintains its internationally prominent position, with 404 beaches awarded the Blue Flag, ranking 6th out of 51 in the world under this environmental excellence programme.

Of the 404 beaches, 354 are coastal or transitional beaches and 50 are inland beaches, an increase compared to the 398 in 2024.

 Link
https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-06-02/more-beaches-with-lifeguards/98184#google_vignette