Swimming and sailing rules and regulations

The rules and regulations concerning swimmers and sailors, that is, the laws that must be obeyed, are drawn up every year by the various Harbour Offices. The one that covers the Island of Elba is in Portoferraio.

It is forbidden for motor boats to come within 200 metres of the beach, or within 100 metres of the rocks and cliffs.

Motor boats as well as any other type of boat, apart from canoes and pedalòs, are not allowed to enter these areas from 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. The entire area must be marked off with red buoys at a distance of 50 metres one from the other. On the other hand, on beaches where there are no bathing establishments, signs in various languages must be put up stating clearly that there are no buoys. Fishing too is forbidden in these areas from 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. (using a rod is allowed, but not near anybody in the water). Some beaches have special landing lanes,always clearly marked off with buoys, so that boats can come in and go out dead slow. Needless to say, swimming inside these lanes is strictly forbidden.