In a statement, the municipality revealed that the "Safe Beaches All Year Round" project, which is part of the Odemira Municipal Lifeguard Association - Guardião, aims to reinforce security outside the bathing season, between June and September, with "daily patrolling of beaches and riverside areas".

Contacted by Lusa news agency, a source from the city council specified that this reinforcement of surveillance of beaches and riverside areas began in October, immediately after the end of the bathing season in this municipality, which ended on September 30.

The project, which takes place throughout the off-season, aims to respond to “the growing demand for beaches” during the various months, it indicated.

The surveillance, carried out by a team of lifeguards from Guardião, is coordinated with local and regional entities, including the National Maritime Authority (AMN) and the municipality's river and sports clubs, ensuring a rapid response in emergencies, it explained.

According to the city hall, in addition to reinforcing “the commitment to the safety of residents and visitors”, this project focuses on “a coordinated and preventive strategy” on the beaches of this municipality on the Alentejo coast.

And it aims to contribute “to reducing the risk of accidents” and “consolidate Odemira as a safe, accessible tourist destination, prepared for the growing demand for beaches throughout the year”, it assured.

Within the scope of this project, the city council indicated, the lifeguard association is also responsible for promoting awareness campaigns aimed at the community, including schools, associations and local institutions, to reinforce good safety practices in aquatic activities.

"The project also provides for surveillance at sporting events and other aquatic activities held outside the summer season".