As summer approaches, Bulgaria’s picturesque sea beaches are poised to attract thousands of tourists seeking sun, sand, and relaxation.
However, amidst the anticipation of the bustling summer season, a concerning issue looms large: nearly one hundred of Bulgaria’s sea beaches will be left without lifeguards, posing potential risks to beachgoers.
The alarming count of unguarded beaches stands at 99 across the country, encompassing popular destinations like Irakli, Koral, and Byala-Karadere, known for their nature-based tourism appeal.
Among the regions bearing the brunt of this shortfall are Burgas, with 50 unguarded beaches, followed by Varna, with 28, and Dobrich, with 19.
Notably, stretches from Durankulak to Shabla, as well as areas like Kamchia and Shkorpilovtsi to the south, will lack essential lifeguard services.
Equally concerning are the beaches in the Old Town of Nessebar, Aheloy, Kraimorie, Vromos, Alepu, and others along the Southern Black Sea coast that will remain unguarded.
The root cause of this predicament lies in delayed administrative procedures, leaving these areas without vital lifeguard services during the peak summer season.
Administrative issues, including duplicate competitions organized by the Ministry of Tourism and regional administrations, exacerbate the problem.
Instances of two different companies winning competitions for providing lifeguards and medical teams on the same beach have been reported, causing confusion and inefficiency.
Changes in regulations regarding water rescue activities have further compounded the issue, deterring potential providers due to increased costs associated with compliance.
These regulations, which include mandatory medical care on the beach, have dissuaded beach lessees or concessionaires from offering lifeguard services.
Additionally, there is a shortage of qualified lifeguards, adding to the complexity of ensuring beach safety. In response to the looming safety challenge, regional administrations like Varna are actively seeking lifeguards for ten of the most frequented unguarded beaches within their jurisdiction.
Each beach will have designated lifeguard posts staffed by two trained professionals, with a substantial budget of BGN 430,000 allocated for this purpose.
Efforts to secure lifeguards involve collaboration with organizations like the Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC), which provides guidance on safety requirements and staffing needs for rescue posts.
While these proactive measures are commendable, concerns persist regarding the remaining unguarded beaches and the potential risks they pose to beachgoers.
As the summer season fast approaches, stakeholders must work swiftly to address administrative hurdles, streamline lifeguard procurement processes, and ensure adequate safety measures are in place across all beaches.
As tourists eagerly anticipate their seaside retreats, the collective effort to safeguard Bulgaria’s beaches must remain a top priority, ensuring a summer season filled with fun, relaxation, and, above all, safety for all beach enthusiasts.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members