Health promotion at the beach: lessons learned from the "safe beaches" education project

Abstract

Background: During summer, beach authorities are charged with ensuring the safety of beach visitors, which includes promoting safe behaviour via educational efforts. The purpose of this study was to describe the processes of development and implementation of a promotional project for beach safety.

Methods: A multidisciplinary task force developed the informational material and the content to be provided following the principles of the Health Belief Model (HBM). The health promotion addressed a wide range of topics and was delivered at 65 bathing facilities along the Lazio coast (Central Italy) from June 2, 2023, to September 10, 2023. To evaluate the feedback of the promotion activities, the attendees were asked to answer a post-event self-evaluation survey.

Results: 1,032 people responded to the questionnaire about satisfaction and utility levels. Participants' overall satisfaction scores (98% rated "excellent" or "good") and utility (88%) were high, with higher satisfaction levels for the women, those with higher education, and Italian citizens. Most participants reported that the material was easy to understand; the contents were comprehensive; and the healthcare professionals were prepared, engaging, and available.

Conclusions: This project showed that approaching the summer visitors in the place time is a feasible and well-accepted strategy for summer health-related education.