Increased demand for lifeguards required
Portugal grapples with lifeguard recruitment challenges due to legislative changes and student availability issues
The Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards (FEPONS) has expressed concerns over the unavailability of lifeguard profiles during the upcoming summer season. The president of the federation, Alexandre Tadeia, stated most of the profiles are not accessible due to the bulk of Portuguese lifeguards being students.
The increased student population in the lifeguarding sector poses problems, as they become available after completing academic exams, which coincide with the seasonal start, Tadeia explained. The difficulty in recruiting local professionals has been a constant issue, resorting to immigrants as a resolution in the past.
However, a recent change in legislation concerning the expression of interest for foreign workers casts doubt on available assistance from abroad this year. Mr. Tadeia argues that historical methods of combating staff shortages with foreign lifeguards, often from Brazil and Argentina, might not be as viable due to this legislative change.
To combat these difficulties, FEPONS suggests moving toward a system of incentives for lifeguarding professionals. The organization stresses that addressing the issue will require specific aid for tuition fees, given the majority of lifeguards are students, and creating a special career path for lifeguards within the public sector.
In the Algarve region, where recruitment difficulties intensify with factors like high accommodation costs for workers, beach concessionaires have already initiated recruitment efforts from January. Despite the early preparations, the problem persists due to diminished interest in the profession and a high turnover rate among new workers.
The bathing season for 2025 will open progressively in various locations across Portugal. Starting on May 15th, beaches in the municipality of Albufeira and in a third phase, from June 1st, the central and southern regions will commence the summer season. The majority of beaches in the north will open from June 15th, while inland waters open between June and July. The schedule is defined annually through an ordinance published in the Official Gazette of the Union.
References:[1] Official Gazette of the Union[2] Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards (FEPONS) press release: "Recruitment difficulties for lifeguards in the summer of 2025"[3] Sun Online, "Algarve beach's lifeguard shortage leaves tourists at risk"[4] Expresso, "Why it's difficult to recruit lifeguards in the Algarve"
With the summer season fast approaching in Portugal, the concern over the availability of lifeguards persists due to the majority being students. To combat this issue, the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards (FEPONS) proposes implementing incentives for lifeguarding professionals, with a focus on aid for tuition fees and a career path within the public sector. Additionally, the federation suggests resorting to foreign workers as a solution, but the recent change in legislation could limit this option.
