"Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Portugal. Take care when walking close to the water’s edge, especially along unsupervised stretches of beaches. Waves can be unpredictable and have a strong undertow.
"Do not swim at beaches that connect to or from rivers as they can have strong undercurrents, swim at any beach without lifeguards, and dive into unknown water as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.
"Beware of rip tides, which can cause drowning. If you are caught in a rip tide, do not try to swim against it. Swim parallel to the coastline until you no longer feel the current, then try to swim towards the shore.
"Follow any lifeguard instructions and warning flags. Red means danger: do not go into the water, yellow means caution: you can walk in the water, but you cannot swim, and green means it is safe to swim in the water."
The Foreign Office added: "Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion. Falling rocks are a hazard, particularly in the Algarve”.
Information is not specific to Portugal. Tragically it happens the worst over
By David from Algarve on 12 Aug 2024, 14:22
GREAT advice and ty for printing. As climate change has become normalized it's still change. Two years ago on the tourist beach at Coos Bay Oregon, US (Google it) a father and his young daughter were walking on a deserted (Nov.) beach, no lifeguard. A woman outside of her house on a cliff watched them for a moment and in a second a "Rogue Wave" swept them away, never found. We used to be able to take moonlight walks or even picnic on the sand with food and wine, not anymore. "Rogue Waves" are a thing now like forest fires; enjoy your memories but be really careful, heed the warning; there for a reason, use common sense.
By Brad from Porto on 12 Aug 2024, 21:21
The foreign office discovered the portuguese beaches have waves and people can get drowned in water? As New as this May be to The Foreign Office, it's quite an unsurprise for Antoine acquainted with this funny little country.
I also the "climate change" comments laughable. Get real guys: beaches have waves ans are dangerous places for millions of years. No climate blaming to be had here.
By Rui from Algarve on 13 Aug 2024, 21:40