Authorities on the Greek island of Zante have issued requirements that all beaches within popular resorts of four council areas need to have full time lifeguards on duty. The two councils on the island that currently have Blue Flag beach status, namely those at Alykes and Arkadion already have permanent life guards on duty, as that is a requirement under the FEE scheme, but until now others have been left to make their own decision. The councils of Zakynthos and Lagana are the other two areas that fall under the new scheme.

The beaches in the other areas will be given a little time to make the necessary arrangments in terms of providing staff and sourcing equipment, but they will be inspected in June and could face heavy fines if they fail to comply. Some of the beaches here already have safety staff at work.

Alykes and Arkadion are both small family-friendly resorts that are located close to each other on the north-east coast of Zante where the wide sandy beaches are popular with tourists. Laganas is a busy and popular resort with younger tourists who enjoy its busy nightlife. The beaches here are also popular and safety is obviously important.

For a more unspoilt beach landscape, tourists could try the coastline around Vassilikos where places like Banana Beach and Plaka Beach are both attractive.