Inatel beach and Alemães beach were both subject to restrictions after the weekend rains washed dirty water from a nearby streams into the sea, causing a strong stench.

The red flag was hoisted and authorities said it would only be removed once tests proved the water was safe to swim in. It was lowered and the ban lifted after analyses on Wednesday proved the water was fit to swim in. On Tuesday tests still confirmed the seawater was polluted.
Earlier analyses had, according to newspaper Correio da Manhã, detected traces of “faecal contamination”, and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) advised swimmers not only against bathing on the Inatel and the Alemães beaches, but also on the adjoining Pescadores beach.
The decision to keep the red flag raised for the best part of four days was made by the APA in conjunction with the Regional Algarve Health Board.
In related news, the Algarve’s beaches will this summer have 31 medical stations on them.
From last Saturday and until 16 September, the 31 medical stations will be open daily from 10am to 6pm, and until 7pm for peak season (16 July – 31 August).
They have been set up to help beachgoers with common problems, such as sunstroke, drops in blood pressure, spider-fish bites or minor bruises, providing on-site treatment, avoiding unnecessary trips to health centres.