The popular jumping location at Cape Greco continues to attract thrill-seekers despite the installation of a fence aimed at deterring dangerous jumps. Since its erection in May, the fence has not fully succeeded in discouraging visitors from taking the plunge into the sea, as multiple groups have been observed bypassing it.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Cape greco: Repeated Incidents of Jumping
During a recent visit by the Cyprus Mail, numerous individuals were seen navigating around the fence to leap into the water below. This location, renowned for its stunning cliffs and clear waters, has long been a favourite for adventurous jumpers. However, safety concerns prompted the local authorities to take action.
The fence was installed following a series of injuries and fatalities over the years, with officials recognising the need for increased safety measures. Despite this, the allure of the jump seems to outweigh the warnings for some. Over the course of an hour, two women were seen stepping around the fence before one of them made the jump.
Local Authorities Respond
An employee from the Ayia Napa municipality, stationed nearby, noticed the women and approached them to issue a warning. After making a phone call, a second municipal worker arrived, but by then, several young men had also entered the prohibited area. The second employee attempted to enforce the fence’s purpose by opening a gate and urging those inside to leave. However, a number of individuals chose to ignore the instruction and proceeded with their jumps.
Limitations of the Fence
Glafkos Kyriacou, a spokesman for the forestry department, acknowledged the limitations of the fence in preventing jumps. He stated that while municipal employees can warn individuals of the risks and contact the police if necessary, they lack the authority to physically stop them. Despite this, he noted that the installation of the fence has led to a significant decrease in jumping incidents.
Kyriacou explained that the decision to erect the fence was driven by the need to safeguard both the public and rescue teams, who have had to respond to numerous emergencies at the sea caves. He highlighted the geological instability of the rock formations, which have shown signs of potential collapse over time, necessitating protective measures.
Mixed Reactions from Visitors
Visitors to Cape Greco have offered varied opinions on the fence. Many agree that it serves a crucial purpose in keeping people safe from the inherent dangers of jumping into the sea. One visitor stated, “It’s just keeping most people safe from the dangers that you have here, so I think it’s a good idea.”
However, some believe the fence could be more effective if positioned closer to the edge of the cliffs, allowing visitors to capture better photographs while still maintaining safety. Others have suggested that signing a waiver to acknowledge the risks could permit jumping under certain conditions.
Future of Safety Measures
As of now, there are no definitive plans regarding future safety measures at Cape Greco. Kyriacou mentioned that discussions are ongoing, but no timeline has been established for the removal or alteration of the fence. The current solution remains a temporary fix to a long-standing issue.
In the meantime, officials continue to monitor the situation at the sea caves, hoping that the combination of public awareness and physical barriers will help mitigate the risks associated with jumping. The challenge remains to strike a balance between allowing the thrill of jumping and ensuring the safety of all visitors.
