Fines for beachgoers who disobey warnings

Beachgoers in Portugal who ignore instructions from lifeguards or fail to heed flags warning of dangerous seas may be fined anything from 55 to 1.000 euros. The idea behind the new law announced by the government Thursday is aimed ate cracking down on beach accidents and drowning deaths during the official bathing season, which runs from June 1 to Sept. 30. According to statistics last year authorities recorded 21 drowning deaths at Portuguese beaches, four more than the previous year.

So please if you do visit Portugal remember Red flags raised by lifeguards forbid anyone from entering the sea, while a yellow flag warns bathers not to stray out of their depth. Colour blind tourist may not use Portuguese beaches.

Tags: Portugal, beach, tourist, Euros