New Lifeguard Lookout Tower Installed on Lake Garda for Safer Rescues

There is a new lookout tower on Lake Garda

The first lookout tower to assist swimmers and vessels in trouble has arrived on the lake. As shown in the photo, it consists of an elevated structure that provides the lifeguard with an excellent view of the section of the lake they are responsible for.

The towers, certified by the maritime authorities, are already in operation along all the coastlines of the Italian peninsula. Bringing them to Lake Garda was initiated by Nicola Soliman, director of the Società Nazionale di Salvamento Verona section and instructor at the rescue school.

Positioning and equipment of the towers

The first tower on the lake was installed at the Belvedere beach in San Benedetto di Lugana, and soon all other beaches will be equipped with this very important structure, capable of hosting one or two highly specialized lifeguards trained in rescuing swimmers in difficulty in the lake waters.

The towers can be situated at distances ranging from eighty to three hundred meters, depending solely on whether they are staffed by one or two lifeguards.

The personnel assigned to this work are also equipped with a patrol boat or motorboats powered by water jet systems, as boats with propellers could cause injuries to those being rescued.

Position and safety of the ladder

Soliman also explained why the ladder of the tower should be placed at the front. “Because in case of an intervention,” he clarified, “the lifeguard can go down from the same side while keeping the person in difficulty always under control.

It is crucial never to turn your back on the water, otherwise if the person sinks, it becomes impossible to pinpoint their exact location, and just a few moments can make rescue attempts futile.”

All these precautions are part of the teachings provided by our school to aspiring rescue lifeguards, who upon completing the course can earn their official certification.

First aid and intervention

After spotting and recovering the person in difficulty, the lifeguards administer first aid, which they are trained to perform while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance from Verona Emergenza, which is already alerted.