„Life corridor” on the beach gains support from Polish Ministry of Interior: a model for coastal safety

With the summer season fast approaching and warmer weekends drawing crowds to the Baltic beaches, rescue services brace for increased demand and familiar logistical challenges. One persistent issue is obstructed access to the shoreline caused by tourists, beach equipment, and recreational infrastructure. To address this, the Volunteer Fire Department (OSP) Jantar launched the “Life Corridor on the Beach” initiative last year. This year, the project has expanded and received official recognition and support from Poland’s Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA).

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Today | 09:29 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. OSP Jantar

- MSWiA supports any action aimed at increasing safety and raising awareness among people spending time by the water. The Ministry is aware of the idea of creating life corridors on beaches, stated Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for MSWiA, in response to questions from Gazeta Morska.

Grassroots initiative within existing legal framework

The Ministry emphasizes that current legislation already allows for solutions to improve beach safety, with local governments playing a key role.

- Managers already have the possibility to set rules for beach use, including organizing space to ensure access for rescue services, MSWiA reminds.

Under the Act of 18 August 2011 on the Safety of Persons Staying on Water Areas, responsibility for ensuring rescue conditions rests with various authorities: park directors (for beaches within national or landscape parks), entities conducting sports or recreational activities, and most commonly, mayors and municipal leaders.

Systemic gap: lack of infrastructure funding

Despite acknowledging the initiative, the Ministry points out a significant limitation:

- The Act does not provide the possibility of co-financing local governments, volunteer fire departments, or authorized water rescue entities for activities related to creating infrastructure that enables quick access for rescue services to the shoreline.

This means funding for signage, access paths, and educational efforts must come from local sources or other government programs — opening the door for targeted support.

“Together safer” program – a window of opportunity

MSWiA highlights that the “Life Corridor on the Beach” project aligns with the ongoing government program Razem bezpieczniej (“Together Safer”) running from 2025 to 2028.

- The OSP Jantar project ‘Life Corridor on the Beach’ fits within the Ministry’s Government Program for the Reduction of Crime and Anti-Social Behaviors Together Safer (...), especially in Specific Objective No. 1: ‘increasing knowledge and skills in identifying threats to safety and methods of limiting and preventing them in various spheres of social life,’” said Jacek Dobrzyński.

Key focus areas include promoting safe recreation by water, shaping responsible social and civic behaviors, and teaching crisis response skills such as first aid.

- On May 19, 2025, a call for projects within the program was opened, so participation is now possible. Detailed information can be obtained from the regional program coordinator, MSWiA informs.

Local action needed: it’s up to the municipalities

During summer, OSP Jantar often intervenes in life-threatening situations. While the unit is well-equipped—including a rescue boat—the main challenge remains physical access to the water, often blocked by beachgoers and equipment. In the previous season, OSP Jantar began an educational campaign featuring graphic “Life Corridor on the Beach” signs designed by firefighter Maja Kozłowska. This year, with support from Jantar’s village head Lidia Rosolak, six signs have been installed near main beach entrances.

What will be the next move of the Polish coastal municipalities?

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