Bathing restrictions on mainland Portuguese beaches increased by 65% during the summer, according to a report by environmental organization Zero. This significant increase represents a deterioration of conditions in the country's bathing areas.
The most concerning data identified by Zero is that total bathing prohibitions more than doubled compared to the same period the previous year. This means a much greater number of beaches were completely closed to the public during the bathing season.
According to the organization, the cause almost always cited for these restrictions is microbiological contamination of the waters. This situation represents a risk to the public health of bathers who wish to use Portuguese beaches during the summer months.
