Authorities at Punta Molentis Beach in Sardinia, Italy, have banned most visitors aged between 10 and 65 from bringing umbrellas this summer. The rule began on 5 June and will last until late October. Officials say the ban is needed to keep people safe if there is an emergency.
Families with children aged 10 or under and people aged 65 or over may bring one large umbrella. Other visitors are not allowed to put up umbrellas, gazebos, tents or other shade equipment. People visiting the beach must also pay €10, although disabled visitors and their companions do not have to pay.
The rule has upset many beachgoers, who say shade is important for protecting people from the sun. Some people have joked online that they would need to become parents just to use an umbrella. Others worry that visitors could suffer sunburn during hot days at the beach.
The local council says it introduced the rule after a fire last year made it difficult to evacuate the beach. Officials said there were too many umbrellas packed closely together, which blocked safe paths off the sand. Many beaches in Italy already have strict rules to stop overcrowding and protect the coastline.
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