The images from yesterday afternoon speak for themselves. In Rodia, jet skis engaged in maneuvers a few tens of meters from the shoreline. At Capo Peloro, however, the protagonists were some kitesurfers who darted near the shore. Spectacular activities, without a doubt, but only if practiced in compliance with the rules and, above all, safety distances.
A concrete danger, also perceived by those who were on the beach. The protests of the bathers and the invitations of the security personnel of the bathing establishments were useless: those who were in the water continued without changing their behavior. Unfortunately, especially in the case of jet skis, these are not isolated incidents. What happened yesterday in Rodia is part of a long series of reports that, every summer, also arrive from other places on the Messina Tyrrhenian coast.
The situations are promptly communicated to the competent authorities, but the problem remains that of controls. The stretch of coast to be monitored is very long: it is unthinkable that a single patrol boat could be at Capo Peloro, Rodia and perhaps even Santa Margherita at the same time. A blanket too short to guarantee a constant presence along the entire coast. And it is precisely here that reflection arises. Perhaps the time has come to study new solutions, strengthening supervision or identifying different tools to prevent these behaviors before it is too late. Because the sea must remain a place of leisure and freedom, not transform into a venue for dangerous performances.
The news has already taught us, on the roads, how devastating the consequences of imprudent maneuvers and irresponsible behavior can be. Let’s not wait for a tragedy to happen at sea before intervening. Prevention, once again, is the only possible route.