Someone is in danger!
'Pericolo' = peh-REE-ko-loh. Stress on second syllable. Three syllables: pe-ri-co-lo.
Alerting bystanders or emergency services that another person is at risk of harm.
'Qualcuno' (someone) is an indefinite pronoun. 'Essere in pericolo' (to be in danger) is a fixed expression. This phrase mobilises help without specifying the type of danger — useful when you see a situation developing but don't know its exact nature. Italian law (Article 593, Codice Penale) requires individuals to assist persons in danger when possible without personal risk.
C'è un bambino in pericolo sulla strada!
There is a child in danger on the road!
Specify who is in danger — children trigger fastest response.
Una donna sta urlando — qualcosa non va.
A woman is screaming — something is wrong.
Reporting suspicious distress — useful for domestic violence situations.
Quella persona sembra in difficoltà sull'acqua!
That person seems to be in difficulty in the water!
Water emergency — call 115 (fire brigade) or 1530 (coast guard).
Italy's coast guard (Guardia Costiera) emergency number is 1530, available free 24/7. Beach lifeguards (bagnini) are mandatory on licensed Italian beaches during the summer season (typically June-September). The Società Nazionale di Salvamento operates volunteer sea rescue throughout Italy. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in Italy during summer.