Apulia Deploys Prisoners as Lifeguards to Ease Beach Rescue Shortage

In the southern Italian region of Apulia, a pilot program called “Io salvo” has placed 14 inmates from the Borgo San Nicola prison in Lecce on lifeguard duties along Salento’s beaches. After a three‑month training course covering safety regulations, first aid and defibrillator use, the prisoners work 36 hours per week at private bathing sites and an agritourism complex, earning €50 per day. The initiative aims to address a reported shortfall of 3,000‑4,000 lifeguards on Italian coasts while providing the detainees with professional skills and a path to reintegration. Organisers – the lifeguard union, prison authorities and local officials – are considering expanding the scheme to other prisons and sectors such as hospitality and agriculture.