The lake and erosion of the Corno beach ‘The waves caused by boats are damaging’

06 August 2025

Garda. The waves caused by Navigarda boats are destroying the most photographed beach on the lake: Corno, where the famous gulf with Punta San Vigilio is located. These waves also endanger the small boats used for sailing courses for children organised by the Italian Naval League. This is the substance of the question submitted yesterday by the minority group “Garda Futura” to Mayor Davide Bendinelli, asking what action he intends to take with the management of Navigarda. The question echoes the content of the email sent on 10 July by the president of the Italian Naval League, Giorgio Castellani, to the management of Navigarda, the mayor and the minority group leader, Lorenza Ragnolini. ‘We also take this opportunity to request the renaturalisation of the beach,’ explains Ragnolini, "due to the alteration caused by the renovation work, with the laying of stabilised concrete to allow access by motorised vehicles, which has created a barrier against which the waves break with the undertow.
Navigarda makes 27 daily trips in the Gulf of Garda, arriving with high-speed hydrofoils and creating waves that are dangerous for other vessels as well."
We should also add the danger for swimmers, because sudden waves can cause difficulties for those who are swimming. For many years, the municipality has spent considerable sums of money on improvements to Corno beach. Erosion is also due to the rising level of the lake. However, strong waves have a continuous impact on the shore.
In his letter of appeal, the president of the Naval League suggests the creation of navigation corridors using buoys.
He also asks that Navigarda boats comply more strictly with the regulations on speed and safety distance from the coast when approaching and departing from the pier.
On 31 July, Navigarda's operations manager, Alessandro Acquafredda, responded to the Lega Navale's certified email, stating: 'The interregional law of November 2002, which regulates navigation on the lake, establishes in Article 15 that the provisions relating to the protection of the coastal strip, navigation bans and traffic restrictions do not apply to vessels providing public transport services. Therefore, as a public transport operator, this navigation service is not subject to the distance limits from the coast or speed limits that apply to private vessels or port vessels. The safe conduct of sporting and recreational activities, particularly those involving minors, cannot in any way be transferred a priori to this Navigation, which provides an essential public service according to timetables and landing points authorised by law.
On 4 August, the president of Legit Vale replied: 'Our certified email refers to Article 9 of the same interregional law, which was not mentioned in Navigarda's response, which establishes that drivers of public service vehicles must maintain a safe distance from recreational sailing boats, fishing boats and bathing areas. They must avoid creating waves, suction currents, and noise that could create dangerous or disruptive situations.
They must carry out their activities with diligence and caution without hindering bathing or the navigability of surrounding vessels."
Navigarda has nevertheless invited all interested parties to discuss their respective needs.


Read the full article in L'Arena on 6 August 2025.