"We have been working both with our municipal services and with the parish councils to create the best conditions," the mayor of Abrantes, in the district of Santarém, told Lusa today.

According to Manuel Jorge Valamatos, the municipality's bathing areas suffered some impacts from Storm Kristin, which hit the region at the end of January, but the work carried out allowed the summer season to be opened within the planned deadlines.

"It was a territory that was greatly affected by Storm Kristin and left some fragile situations," he said.

The bathing season runs from 1 July to 31 August at the river beaches of Aldeia do Mato and Fontes in the Castelo do Bode reservoir, with the Blue Flag raising ceremony scheduled for 6 July.

The Fontes River beach receives the Blue Flag for the eighth time this year, while Aldeia do Mato raises the award for the 16th consecutive year, distinctions granted by the Blue Flag Association for Environment and Education (ABAAE).

Manuel Jorge Valamatos indicated that the conditions are in place to welcome bathers, highlighting the work carried out by the concessionary entities and the teams responsible for beach safety.

"The concessionaires have highly competent professionals and people, and we believe that all the conditions are in place for us to have another excellent summer season," he declared.

The mayor, however, reminded users of the importance of adopting responsible behaviours.

"It is important to draw attention to the danger of bathing areas and the need to have correct behaviours to avoid risks," he warned.

According to the mayor, the opening of the summer season will occur only when all conditions required by regulatory bodies are met, especially regarding surveillance and security measures.

"It is true that the temperatures already encourage people to get close to these bathing areas, but it is important to say that the season has not yet officially opened. It is important to understand the timings so that all levels of security are operational," he said.