Nicosia, Cyprus. Lifeguard shortages continue to affect Cyprus’ beaches, with the most acute staffing gaps reported in Limassol and Paphos, the interior ministry said on Friday. Officials and union representatives warned that the ongoing shortfall poses risks to beach safety.
Staffing shortages continue
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Andreas Karvounis, an officer with the ministry’s beach safety unit, said there is recurring difficulty in filling the approximately 380 lifeguard positions jointly funded by the ministry and local authorities.
Asked about a proposal by local authorities to station one lifeguard instead of two at some towers to cover more locations, Karvounis said this could not be implemented unless it was determined that safety requirements could still be met.
Concerns over safety standards
Cyprus Lifeguard Federation president Polis Pallikaros said reducing staffing at lifeguard towers would run contrary to international safety standards and could hinder rescue operations.
He called for an increase in permanent or 10-month lifeguard positions across the island, saying staffing needs are currently greatest in Limassol and Paphos.
Regional disparities and recruitment needs
According to Pallikaros, there are currently 47 permanent lifeguard positions in Famagusta district, compared with three in Paphos. He said Paphos must recruit around 110 lifeguards each year to meet seasonal demand and added that efforts to fill vacancies are underway.
Equipment shortfalls
Pallikaros also said equipment problems were evident, including a lack of motorised rescue vehicles such as jet skis, which enable lifeguards to respond quickly and cover a wider area. He said many beaches require such equipment but currently do not have it.
Coverage gaps in Limassol
Meanwhile, Limassol district lifeguard officer Sakis Nikolaou said beaches along the Governor’s Beach coastline currently have no lifeguard coverage, while only one lifeguard tower is operating along nearby Lady’s Mile beach in the British bases.
Union warning
The comments came after repeated warnings over lifeguard shortages. On Wednesday, trade union Oekdy-Sek said the ongoing lack of lifeguards at Cyprus’ beaches constitutes a serious safety risk for beachgoers and cannot be tolerated.
“This need for proper staffing does not seem to be understood by everyone,” the union said.
