Summer 2020 is in full bloom in Friuli Venezia Giulia, as Triestini flock to the region’s beaches.
Measures have been set out to ensure the safety of beachgoers throughout FVG’s coastline: sun loungers and umbrellas are set in separate areas of 40msq to ensure social distancing. Beaches are regularly sanitized and there are sanitization products available for beachgoers to use. The novelty of this year are stewards who make sure that the rules in place are respected.
We asked Franco and Daniele, stewards at the notorious Caravella Beach in Sistiana, to answer some of our pressing questions.
What are the beach rules 2020?
Franco: Comune di Trieste engaged us to control Sistiana beaches. The new rules are a meter between towels (unless we are talking about family members), one meter and a half between parasols, no beach volley just badminton is allowed.
Daniele: We also have to make sure there are no sellers on the beach, as that is against the rules this summer.
Do beachgoers respect the rules in place?
Daniele: Unfortunately, the younger generation doesn’t understand the danger of the situation. They act as if the virus has never existed, and thus don’t respect the rules.
Franco: I agree, the youngsters are always the ones we ask to move the towels.
How do you handle the difficult situations when beachgoers don’t want to comply?
Franco: We warn them that there is a 500 euro fine for not abiding by the rules.
Daniele: Our job is to inform, we don’t have any real power. However, in light of the current virus situation things will probably change. A meeting at Comune will be held on July 15 after which stricter rules will probably be imposed.
What message would you like to send beachgoers 2020?
Daniele: Always use common sense and don’t put other people’s health at risk. The situation is not the safest, even if it might not seem so.
Franco: Have fun, sure, but don’t forget about the rules which are in place to safeguard everyone’s health.
By In Trieste
