“If the sea demands respect, why do we insist on challenging it?” is the motto of the first campaign developed by AMN on the winter sea, which comes from the need to alert citizens to the dangers of the sea, which at this time of year are worse without surveillance on the beaches.

The director general of the AMN and Commander General of the Maritime Police, Vice Admiral José Vizinha Mirones, explained to Lusa that the safety of citizens is, for the institution, “a commitment of 365 days, 24 hours a day. So it can’t just be limited to summer.”

The vice admiral recalled that the sea in Portugal "is very treacherous because it appears to be calm and suddenly waves of some size can appear that put people at risk", requiring extra care.

“Summer is a time when the population flocks to the beaches is large and, in fact, the Maritime Authority at that time implements a dedicated surveillance device and carries out several awareness campaigns. But at this time of year, we continue to have people [on the beaches] - in much smaller numbers, obviously. If this campaign saves one life, it is already a success”.

The vice admiral regrets that the number of deaths remains “relatively stable”, stressing the need to reduce them.

“Winter Sea” is a campaign aimed at the general population, recreational fishermen and professional fishermen.

The majority of deaths, according to information from AMN, come from people who fall from the cliffs, whether recreational fishing fishermen or the general population who “look out to see the view and take a photo”.

Between 2023 and 2024, around 35 deaths of recreational fishermen were recorded.

Among the precautions and safety recommendations that the person in charge highlights are those aimed at fishermen, to pay attention to the weather when going out to sea and pay attention to the warnings that port captains make regarding the condition of the bars.

He also recommends that people avoid approaching jetties and cliffs to take photos or beaches when the sea is rough and that they should never walk alone in these dangerous areas.

He reminds us that special care should be taken with children and that in the event of an accident, they should immediately call 112.