Sottomarina lifeguard assaulted after reporting jet ski violation

An 18-year-old lifeguard in Sottomarina, Chioggia, was physically assaulted after reporting a jet ski for violating safety zones. The incident occurred near the mouth of the Brenta river, where the jet ski, carrying two people, was performing dangerous maneuvers too close to swimmers and the shoreline.

After the lifeguard alerted the Coast Guard (Capitaneria di Porto), authorities discovered the operator did not have a nautical license and issued a fine. During the reporting process, a 40-year-old man arrived on the scene, pulled the lifeguard from his watchtower by his hair, and struck him multiple times. The assailant also reportedly stole the lifeguard's mobile phone and issued threats.

The victim received medical treatment at an emergency room and has filed a formal complaint. In a subsequent act of retaliation, the car of another lifeguard who had intervened to defend the victim was found damaged with acid the following day.