Healthy Beaches Project
Safety, Accessibility, Environment and Awareness on over 150 beaches
In July 2005, the Vodafone Portugal Foundation launched the Healthy Beach Project that covers over 150 beaches in Portugal.
This programme addresses four main subjects: Security, Accessibility, Environment and Awareness.
As far as Security is concerned, several equipment has been made available: Rescue Vehicles GOES jet skis, floating stretchers, and watchtowers. Also, a communications network was created and made available to the beachgoers, involving lifeguards mobile phones and a phone number assigned to each beach site. Implementing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) eased the communication between beach sites, Port Authorities, Lifeboat Institution, and Firemen, national emergency numbers and others, identified as relevant in responding to emergency situations.
As for Accessibility the main goal is to equip the beach sites for a better usage of these areas by people with special needs, namely by donating special catwalks or amphibious wheelchairs.
Regarding Environment it is envisaged the beach sites protection not only by being involved in the National Surveillance Programme with the European Blue Flag Association but also by donating equipments that contribute to minimizek hazardous environmental impacts.
Equally important is the Awareness which is raised significantly by increasing levels of information available to beachgoers regarding matters such as safety, accessibility and environment quality.
Since 2006 over 165 awareness actions were performed within the Champions’ Summer programme, addressing themes such as safety, environment and health. About 140.000 young people participated in these actions.
Partners:
- National Maritime Authority/Lifeboat Institution
- Water Institute
- Nature Conservation Institute
- European Blue Flag Association
- National Institute on Rehabilitation