Unattractive job

Staff shortage: Italy lacks 4000 lifeguards

The owners of many Italian lidos fear that numerous observation towers could remain empty this year.(Bild: TRFilm - stock.adobe.com)

It may still be a while until the swimming season, but in many places in Italy there is a shortage of lifeguards. This is 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 vacation in Bella Italia. Nevertheless, like other seasonal staff such as waiters and cooks, baristas and chambermaids, they are difficult to find. According to reports, there is currently a shortage of up to 4,000 "bagnini" for the next summer season.

Monthly salary is not lucrative
The owners of many Italian lidos fear that numerous observation towers could remain empty this year. The reason for this situation is the short employment contracts, which are no longer attractive, especially for younger people. To obtain a lifeguard license, you have to spend around 500 euros. The monthly salary for twelve hours of work varies between 1400 and 1800 euros and is not particularly lucrative.

Bathers on a beach in Genoa(Bild: APA/AFP/OLIVIER MORIN)

New regulations widen staffing gap
The staffing gap will increase enormously due to a new standard that will apply from April 1. In future, lifeguards will only be allowed to work as "bagnino" from the age of 18 (instead of 16 as before). They will also have to complete a training course, the duration of which will be extended from 30 to 100 hours. The hurdles for a traditional vacation job for young school leavers will thus be greatly increased. To become a lifeguard, you have to obtain a license, which is issued at the end of a training course with a final examination. 

In future, the lifesaving test must be repeated every five years. Previously, a medical certificate was sufficient to renew the relevant documents. This could lead to experienced lifeguards leaving the service. In the past, one lifeguard every 600 meters was sufficient on beaches. Today, the new regulations require one every 180 meters.