Catania coastal police patrols issue €8,500 in fines

During the summer peak, the State Police’s “Volanti del mare” intensified patrols along roughly 30 km of the Catania coastline, covering the Playa, the Scogliera, and Capo Mulini. Officers on jet‑skis inspected both watercraft and beach‑side activities, targeting violations such as prohibited navigation close to the shore, illegal sailing inside the protected marine area of Acitrezza, and the use of quad‑bikes on the beach without helmets or insurance. In total, 62 people were identified on boats or jet‑skis, 17 of whom were already known to the police, and fines amounting to about €8 500 were imposed. The checks also extended to four beach establishments where irregularities in lifeguard assistance rules led to additional penalties. Police said the operations combine enforcement with preventive advice on proper mooring, navigation distances and safety procedures for both boaters and swimmers, and will continue in the coming weeks.