Free beaches illegally occupied: over 300 umbrellas and chairs seized between Agnone and Capitello

Montecorice – More than 200 beach umbrellas and over 100 chairs and deckchairs were seized this morning on the public beaches of Agnone and Capitello, in the municipality of Montecorice, during a joint operation by the local police and the Coast Guard. The raid, which began at dawn, targeted the beaches of the Cilento area near Salerno, where the beach equipment had been abandoned in violation of the ban on occupying public beaches.

The illegal practice of “reserved seating”

According to the officers' reconstruction, umbrellas and chairs had been left on the beach even after sunset, a common practice among some beachgoers aimed at reserving their spot for the following day. This behavior is expressly prohibited by current legislation governing the management of public maritime property, which requires free access to public beaches and penalizes the unauthorized occupation of spaces.

The operation was carried out by officers from the Montecorice Local Police, with the support of staff from the Acciaroli Maritime District Office, as part of checks aimed at protecting public maritime property and ensuring free use of the beaches.

"Safe Seas and Lakes 2026": the Coast Guard's national plan

The operation is part of "Safe Seas and Lakes 2026," the Coast Guard's national plan that calls for enhanced patrols along the entire Italian coastline from June 16 to September 20. The initiative, which has been ongoing for over 35 years, aims to combat illegal activities on public maritime property, ensure the safety of swimmers, and ensure free use of beaches.

In Campania, the system covers over 500 kilometers of coastline, from the Domitian coast to the beaches of Cilento, passing through the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast, and the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Throughout the summer season, the Coast Guard deploys over 40 naval and aircraft vessels during peak boating and swimmer-influx periods.

Checks continue in Cilento

According to authorities, operations of this type will continue throughout the summer and will also involve other areas of Cilento, where the phenomenon of illegal occupation of public beaches is particularly prevalent, especially in the month of August.

The law is clear: it is forbidden to leave umbrellas, deck chairs, tents, or any other beach equipment on public beach areas after sunset. Penalties include administrative seizure of the equipment, and repeated violations may result in fines.
To report crimes or emergencies at sea, the Coast Guard reminds you that the toll-free number 1530 and the Single Emergency Number 112 are active.