Vacationers seek greater safety, Vlora beaches still without lifeguards

Although the tourist season has officially begun in Vlora, the city’s beaches still do not have lifeguards. This absence has increased concern among vacationers, who see safety at sea as one of the main elements of a holiday.

Beachgoers in Vlora say they do not feel safe when they go into the water. According to them, the presence of lifeguards is vital, because in emergency situations they can intervene in time and save lives.

One vacationer said his holiday had started only 2 days earlier, but stressed that lifeguards absolutely must be present. He said there have been drownings in this area every year and that he himself has been vacationing there for years, so he considers their presence essential. According to him, it is not clear whether the responsibility lies with the state, the municipality or private operators, but the need remains the same, especially for those who cannot swim, for women and for children. He added that temperatures also have an impact, while recalling that people have drowned there for 2 years in a row and, if he was not mistaken, last year as well a woman.

Another vacationer said there should be lifeguards, but currently there are none, and he described the situation as miserable. He said it was not a problem for him personally, but the biggest concern was the children who come to the beach. Referring to the situation, he asked what kind of tourism this is, adding that life here does not seem to be valued, whereas in countries such as Italy or France the loss of a life would trigger a major reaction.

In the public areas administered by the Municipality of Vlora, as every year, an informational sign has been placed notifying visitors of the absence of beach lifeguards. On the other hand, the tragic incidents that have recently occurred along the coast have once again drawn attention to the need for concrete measures to guarantee the safety of vacationers during the summer season.