In any emergency, dial 112. This single number connects you to the Police (PSP), Ambulance (INEM) and Fire Brigade (Bombeiros) anywhere on Madeira and Porto Santo. Operators speak Portuguese and English. Stay calm, state your location, and describe what’s happening.
At the coast? Beach lifeguards (nadadores-salvadores) patrol most swimming areas in summer — always follow their flags (green = safe, yellow = caution, red = no swimming). For boating, cliff incidents or anything at sea, call the Polícia Marítima on 291 208 600 or 112 — they coordinate with sea rescue.
