It will still be some time before the bathing season, but in many places in Italy time is running out to hire enough lifeguards. Because fewer and fewer people – especially young people – no longer find the job of ‘Bagnini’ attractive.
Lifeguards are a true myth on the beaches from Lignano to Sicily. The “Bagnini” are the main characters in many Italian summer films and are an integral part of a real beach holiday in Bella Italia. Yet they, like other seasonal workers such as waiters and cooks, baristas and maids, are difficult to find. According to reports, up to 4,000 “Bagnini” are currently missing for the next summer season.
Monthly salary is not lucrative
The owners of many Italian seaside resorts fear that many observation towers could remain empty this year. The reason for the situation is the short employment contracts, which are no longer attractive, especially for young people. To get the lifeguard license, you will have to spend about 500 euros. The monthly salary for twelve hours of work varies between 1,400 and 1,800 euros and is not particularly lucrative.
New regulations increase the staff shortage
The staff shortage will increase enormously due to a new standard that will apply from April 1. In the future, lifeguards will only be allowed to work as ‘Bagnino’ from the age of 18 (instead of the current age of 16). They must also follow a training course, the duration of which is increased from 30 to 100 hours. This significantly increases the threshold for young school leavers to get a classic summer job. To become a lifeguard, you need a license, which is granted at the end of a training course with a final exam.
In the future, the lifesaver test should be repeated every five years. Previously, a medical certificate was sufficient to renew the relevant documents. This can lead to experienced lifeguards leaving the service. In the past, one lifeguard per 600 meters was sufficient on the beach. Today, the new regulations require one per 600 feet.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
