Cyprus lifeguard shortage poses serious beach safety risk, union says

Nicosia, Cyprus. A persistent shortage of lifeguards at Cyprus’ beaches poses a serious safety risk for beachgoers and cannot be tolerated, trade union Oekdy-Sek said on Wednesday. The union said proper staffing levels were not being adequately understood by all parties.

Staffing concerns

Oekdy-Sek said it was impossible for a lifeguard working alone to intervene effectively in seriously dangerous situations. It said a second lifeguard was needed to notify an ambulance, retrieve a defibrillator and follow the relevant protocols.

Emergency response requirements

The union said a lifeguard who spots a swimmer in mortal danger must remove them from the water within three minutes and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Call for longer employment periods

Oekdy-Sek said the nature of the profession was discouraging workers from entering the sector and called for the extension of lifeguards’ employment periods to make the job more attractive.

Tourism pressure

The union said pressure was being exerted to staff beaches with only one lifeguard so that more beaches could be advertised as having a blue flag to attract tourism. It said this placed financial benefit above human life.