Maiori – An afternoon at the beach in the splendid setting of the Amalfi Coast turned tragic for a family originally from the province of Naples.
A 7-year-old boy nearly drowned on the beach in Erchie, a hamlet in the municipality of Maiori, but was saved thanks to the timely intervention of a lifeguard from one of the local beaches.
According to initial reports, the child—who was in the water with his family—suddenly felt unwell, the cause of which is still being investigated. Within moments, he lost consciousness and fell under the water, causing panic among those present.
The lifeguard's intervention was decisive: he dived in and rescued the child, bringing him back to shore, where he practiced first aid maneuvers while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
Mobilization of emergency services and transfer by air ambulance
Emergency responders arrived on the scene within minutes: a Red Cross ambulance from Cetara, a medical motorcycle, officers from the Maiori Local Police, and personnel from the Port Authority. Given the severity of the situation, the medics requested the intervention of an air ambulance , which landed in the Erchie quarry.
The child, stabilized and intubated on site, was rushed to Santobono Hospital in Naples, where he is currently admitted to the intensive care unit. His condition remains critical but stable.
Beach safety: the presence of specialized personnel is essential
The incident on the Maiori coast once again highlights the crucial importance of having professional lifeguards at beach resorts. In cases like this, where every second counts, the immediate and competent intervention of a lifeguard can make the difference between life and death.
The summer season, with thousands of tourists and families on the beach, demands high safety standards and trained personnel. The Erchie incident, which fortunately resulted in a timely rescue, reminds us how essential it is to ensure constant sea surveillance, not only to enforce regulations but also to respond to emergencies.
Investigations to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident are still ongoing, but one thing is certain: today in Erchie, a tragedy was averted thanks to the composure and prompt action of a lifeguard.
The situation in Erchie is very worrying, especially for the children. It's important that lifeguards are always available to prevent tragedies like this. I hope the little boy recovers quickly and that the investigation clarifies everything.