Lifeguard shortages continue to affect Cyprus’ beaches, particularly in Limassol and Paphos, raising concerns about safety for beachgoers.
- Lifeguard shortages continue to affect Cyprus’ beaches, particularly in Limassol and Paphos, raising concerns about safety for beachgoers.
According to the interior ministry, the staffing gaps are most pronounced in these areas, where the demand for lifeguards remains high. Andreas Karvounis, an officer with the ministry’s beach safety unit, highlighted the ongoing difficulty in filling around 380 lifeguard positions that are jointly funded by the ministry and local authorities.
Lifeguard shortages: The Strain of Staffing Gaps
The challenges of staffing have prompted local authorities to propose measures such as reducing the number of lifeguards at some towers from two to one, allowing for broader coverage. However, Karvounis emphasised that such changes could only be made if safety requirements are still met, indicating that the issue is not just about filling positions, but ensuring adequate safety standards are upheld.
Concerns Over Safety Standards
Polis Pallikaros, president of the Cyprus Lifeguard Federation, expressed strong opposition to reducing staffing at lifeguard towers, stating that it contradicts international safety standards and could impede rescue operations. He pointed out that Limassol and Paphos are in urgent need of more permanent or ten-month lifeguard positions to adequately protect the growing numbers of beach visitors.
Recruitment Challenges in Paphos
Currently, the Paphos district has just three permanent lifeguard positions, while the Famagusta district boasts 47. Pallikaros noted that Paphos requires around 110 lifeguards annually to meet its seasonal demands, yet recruitment efforts have struggled to keep pace.
Equipment Shortages Impacting Lifeguards
Beyond staffing, Pallikaros raised alarms over equipment shortages that further complicate safety at the beaches. Many lifeguards lack access to essential motorised rescue vehicles, such as jet skis, which are crucial for responding swiftly to emergencies. Despite the clear need for such equipment, many beaches remain without it, limiting lifeguards’ ability to cover larger areas effectively.
Warnings from Local Officials
In a concerning update, Sakis Nikolaou, a lifeguard officer in Limassol district, reported that certain areas, such as the coastline along Governor’s Beach, currently lack any lifeguard coverage. He also noted that only one lifeguard tower is operational at Lady’s Mile beach, located in the British bases, highlighting a significant gap in safety measures.
Union Raises Alarm on Safety Risks
The trade union Oekdy-Sek has also voiced its alarm, stating that the lack of lifeguards poses a serious safety risk for beachgoers. They underscored the vital role of having multiple lifeguards, explaining that a single lifeguard cannot effectively manage serious emergencies. A second lifeguard is essential for alerting emergency services, retrieving vital equipment, and adhering to established rescue protocols.
As the summer season approaches, the need for immediate action to address these lifeguard shortages and equipment issues has never been more urgent. With the safety of countless beachgoers hanging in the balance, both local authorities and the ministry face increasing pressure to find solutions.
