Thank you to Vidar Wernöe for this email and photos, and what a great idea. It is certainly something we need more of here, along with more signage explaining the dangers in certain areas.
It is with great sadness that I once again read about a tourist who lost their life due to the powerful waves off the coast of Madeira.
Since my wife and I first visited Madeira a few years ago, I have been deeply concerned about the frequent drowning incidents around the island. One of the most perilous locations is Praia Formosa, where large waves make it challenging to rescue individuals caught in the surf near the shoreline. Unfortunately, there are no lifebuoys available when lifeguards finish their shifts.
About a year ago, I discussed this issue with a Madeiran friend. I was aware of the Swedish lifebuoys produced by Fristad Plast (https://fristadplast.se/), a company with nearly 70 years of experience in manufacturing these essential safety devices. In Sweden, these lifebuoys are sponsored by the insurance company Trygg-Hansa, which prominently displays its name on each buoy. Remarkably, Sweden has 80,000 lifebuoys, saving approximately 14 lives annually. You can find more information about the origins of these lifebuoys here: https://rescuelife247.se/
Driven by the belief that action is essential (Just Do It), I brought one of these lifebuoys with me when I arrived in Madeira four weeks ago. It is now positioned at the seashore near the Cliff Bay hotel. My wife and I had the opportunity to introduce it to the lifeguards, who were impressed with its design and features. Notably, this buoy is wider and easier to access, and it includes a 25-meter rope for safely retrieving individuals from the water.
Lifeguard Mauro expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I already tried the buoy and I think it’s a great idea that has the potential of being used in the sea accesses of Madeira specially outside the surveyed areas or when lifeguards are off duty. That idea should be presented to the city halls around the island because they are always trying to improve in those areas. During the morning, I showed it to more than 20 people (staff and guests) and all of them said that it was a fantastic idea”.
Given the positive feedback, I am convinced that more lifebuoys are urgently needed across Madeira. Can we find sponsors willing to associate their names with these crucial safety devices?
