The Prefect of Varese, Dr. Salvatore Pasquariello recently sent a note to the Municipalities, Bodies and Public Offices, as well as to the Police Forces of the province of Varese. In view of the upcoming bathing season, he recalled the following rules to follow to prevent risk situations for public and private safety:
1. Draw the attention of swimmers to the correct use of radio devices, in order to avoid disturbing public peace, to the use of barbecues, as well as to a moderate use of alcoholic beverages;
2. Install, near the affected areas, signs showing prohibition and danger symbols (lighting of fires, bathing ban, etc.) which are easily understandable, given that the areas in question are sometimes frequented by foreign citizens who often do not understand the Italian language;
3. Provide a ban on parking and anchoring in the body of water reserved for bathing, providing special landing lanes (so-called “launch corridors”);
4. Delimit the bathing waters facing the free beaches and bathing establishments by positioning warning buoys;
5. Organise, compatibly with available resources, the rescue service for free beaches.
He also recalled the following ten rules for the safety of swimmers, in order to prevent dangerous situations:
1) evaluate swimming skills in relation to climatic conditions (temperature, waves, wind), currents and heights (in case of diving);
2) never venture alone away from the shore;
3) pay attention to the temperature range when entering the water;
4) do not enter the water unless in perfect health conditions;
5) wait three hours after meals before entering the water;
6) do not force your physical performance;
7) do not dive from stationary or moving navigation devices;
8) do not venture into apnea and pay attention to hyperventilation;
9) do not climb cliffs;
10) swim in the designated areas reserved for swimmers (if there are any) and in any case keep a safe distance from boats.
The Prefect highlighted the growing habit among young people of using parapets and walkways as diving boards, behaviors that can be extremely dangerous.
On this occasion, the “Regulations for the use of the free beach and for the exercise of the rental of beach equipment” of the Lake Basin Authority of Lakes Maggiore, Comabbio, Monate and Varese was re-presented, which provides measures to protect of public safety.
He finally recalled that since 12 June 2023 the 2nd Naval Vessels Unit of the Lake Maggiore Coast Guard has been permanently active with an operational base in Solcio di Lesa (NO).
He is available for emergency requests the blue number “1530” (h24).
It should be noted that the agreement between this Prefecture, the Provincial Fire Brigade Command and the Lake Basin Authority of Lakes Maggiore, Comabbio, Monate and Varese is also being stipulated for the current year. This agreement concerns the establishment of an aquatic unit of the Fire Brigade for urgent technical rescue interventions.
