Beaches with warnings: where not to swim this summer
A handful of beaches have swimming-discouraged notices over water quality. What that means and how to check before you go.
Summer means the beach, but not all the water is in the same shape. Over the past few days there have been swimming-discouraged notices at spots on the northern coast, such as Vila Praia de Âncora, Caminha and the Arda/Bico area, mostly because of spot checks on water quality. It is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to check before you wade in.
What a notice like this means
When a test finds bacteria levels above the recommended threshold, the local authority can raise a flag discouraging swimming. It tends to be temporary, linked to discharges, heavy rain or currents, and usually clears once the water is retested. The trouble is that plenty of people reach the sand with no idea and jump in anyway.
How to check in two minutes
Before you load the car, it is worth checking a beach’s status on the official beach-information portal. Most Portuguese beaches keep excellent water quality, but the picture shifts through the season, so the safest move is to check on the day itself. Also look at the flag flying and follow the lifeguard’s guidance once you arrive.
The golden rule is simple: greenish water, persistent foam or an odd smell, and nobody in the sea on a hot day, is a sign to wait. There is always a beach in good shape nearby.
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You can check each beach’s status on the Portuguese Environment Agency portal.
Illustrative · Photo: Mark Direen / Pexels
