The sea of Gaeta is its most beautiful feature and, like any sea, it must be respected. On Saturday, July 25, the city marks the occasion in the right way: with World Drowning Prevention Day, the annual observance established by the World Health Organization to reduce one of the most silent and preventable causes of death.
The event takes place at 11:00 AM at the Stabilimento Balneare Militare, along the Serapo seafront, under the title “Bandiera Blu: safe at sea”. It is a concrete way for a coastal town to say something simple: having fun in the water and doing so safely are not mutually exclusive.
What happens on July 25
The morning is open to everyone with free admission, showcasing those who make sea safety their profession:
- Lifesaving demonstration featuring the vessels of the Guardia Costiera (Coast Guard), the Unità Cinofile (K9 units) of the Lazio Regional Committee of the Federazione Italiana Nuoto, and local lifeguards.
- Demonstration of life-saving maneuvers with the Croce Rossa Italiana – Comitato Sud Pontino ODV.
The initiative is promoted by the City of Gaeta in collaboration with the Capitanerie di Porto, Legambiente, and FEE, the foundation that awards the Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag). It is also a great time to remember that Bandiera Blu beaches in Gaeta are awarded not only for clean water, but also for safety services and lifeguard surveillance.
Safe at sea: tips for every day
The event lasts one morning, but the message applies all summer long. Here are the common-sense rules that lifeguards always repeat — simple, yet capable of preventing most troubles.
- Watch the flags. The red flag signals a swimming ban or dangerous sea conditions: do not enter the water. The yellow flag advises caution. When flown, they are there for a reason.
- Swim where there is surveillance. Beaches with a lifeguard on duty are the safest choice, especially when traveling with children. Avoid isolated stretches and hours when no one is on duty.
- Do not overestimate yourself. Do not swim beyond your capabilities away from the shore, do not enter the water when overheated or after a heavy meal, and never after drinking alcohol.
- Keep an eye on children. In the water and on the shore, keep them in sight at all times, even in shallow water. It only takes a few seconds of distraction.
- If you feel pulled out to sea, do not fight the current. Stay calm, float, raise an arm, and call for help immediately.
- The number to remember is 1530, the Guardia Costiera emergency line for sea rescues. Save it on your phone before heading to the beach.
First aid maneuvers, on the other hand, cannot be learned from an article: they are best learned directly from experts. The Croce Rossa demonstration on July 25 is the perfect opportunity to see them in action and perhaps sign up for a training course.
A seaside town that takes care of its coast
Gaeta is a “land of art, myth, and sea,” and the sea is far more than just a postcard view: it means monitored beaches, award-winning waters, and active emergency posts. If you are planning your days on the coast, take a look at our guide to the beaches of Gaeta: for each one, you will find access details, facilities, and what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is Drowning Prevention Day held in Gaeta?
Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at the Stabilimento Balneare Militare on the Serapo seafront. Free admission.
What is the emergency number at sea?
The number is 1530, the Guardia Costiera emergency line, active 24 hours a day throughout Italy.
What do the beach flags mean?
The red flag indicates a swimming ban or dangerous sea; the yellow flag calls for caution. Respecting them is the first rule of safety.
Are the beaches of Gaeta safe?
Gaeta boasts several Bandiera Blu beaches, a recognition that also rewards safety and services. As everywhere, the safest choice is to swim where a lifeguard is present and obey posted warnings.
Want to know which beaches have lifeguards or how the sea conditions are today? Ask Enea, the digital guide to Gaeta.
