Nicosia, Cyprus. Trade unions warned on Monday that beach safety must remain a top priority and called on the government to ensure enough lifeguards are on duty this summer. They said insufficient staffing puts both bathers and lifeguards at risk.
Unions reject single-lifeguard tower staffing
In a joint statement, Sek, Peo and Deok said it is crucial to have enough lifeguards at lifeguard towers, adding that without them the safety of bathers and lifeguards is at risk. They said proposals to staff towers with one lifeguard instead of the two recommended in the national beach safety plan Salamis are unacceptable.
Call for protection of lives and improved working conditions
The unions said the government must prioritise the protection of human lives. They added that they will take strong action to prevent any regression that could put citizens, tourists, or lifeguards in danger.
They said that while some progress has been made in recent years, coverage of lifeguard towers remains inadequate, especially during busy periods when beaches are crowded. They also highlighted the need for proper working conditions and contracts to retain experienced personnel.
Recent shortages cited across coastal areas
The unions said that last year all coastal areas of Cyprus reported a lack of lifeguards.
In August 2025, the municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia made an urgent request for lifeguards after seven of 38 towers in the Famagusta district were unstaffed, while reports from Larnaca indicated that 11 of 19 lifeguard towers there were staffed. Similar shortages were reported in Limassol, where the federation of professional lifeguards raised concerns about increasing risks for swimmers.
What steps do you think the government should take to ensure all lifeguard towers are adequately staffed this summer?
