Portugal is heading into the summer season with an unexpected problem: the country is facing a severe shortage of lifeguards.

According to the Portuguese Lifeguard Federation (FEPONS), beaches require between 6,000 and 6,500 lifeguards to operate safely, yet only around 5,000 have been trained, and in practice just two-thirds of them actually take up the job.
As a result, the system is meeting only about half of the real demand. The issue is not a lack of people willing to train. Every year, around 1,500 new lifeguards qualify in Portugal, but many leave the profession soon afterwards. FEPONS says that nearly 49% of workers do not return for the following season.

The reasons are fairly straightforward: relatively low wages, seasonal contracts, and the way youth social support schemes are structured. Most lifeguards in Portugal are students, and taking on official employment can mean losing part of their benefits or scholarships. In many cases, a beach lifeguard earns less than a construction worker, a truck driver, or even a waiter at a successful tourist restaurant. That is one of the reasons why many young Portuguese choose other seasonal jobs after obtaining their licence.

The problem may seem surprising in a country with 671 officially designated bathing areas, an extensive Atlantic coastline, and a mild climate. Many beaches remain active year-round, with surfers, fishermen, and sports enthusiasts continuing to use them long after the summer ends. The federation argues that Portugal needs a national strategy for developing the profession, as well as a dedicated status for lifeguards within the public service system.

As a reminder, Portugal recently launched a unified national beach guide. The platform provides information on lifeguard availability, water temperatures, and other useful details for beachgoers.