Concerned with the economic slowdown impacting summer plans for needy families, a town near Lucca is offering free beach umbrella rentals to residents who earn less than €8,500 a year.

The town of Camaiore will provide needy families with two weeks worth of free rentals to encourage locals to continue taking advantage of the beautiful Tuscan coast despite the lagging economy.

The program is specifically geared at elderly residents and mothers with children as beach vacations are believed to be medically beneficial.

With prices on the rise and private clubs taking over most of the spots on the sand, the initiative is meant to allow everyone, regardless of income to enjoy some healthy days in the sun.

So far, 146 free summer spots have been reserved by qualifying families.