Cyprus faces continued shortages in seasonal lifeguard posts

Nicosia, Cyprus. The interior ministry said on Monday that vacant lifeguard positions remain difficult to fill, particularly those offered on three- and four-month contracts. The largest shortages are in Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca.

Vacancies by district

Beach safety unit officer Andreas Karvounis said all lifeguard positions in Nicosia had been filled due to their limited number.

He said there were some vacancies in Famagusta, while the greatest gaps were mainly in Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca.

Contract duration

Karvounis said there were currently 107 permanent lifeguard positions, with the remaining posts offered for periods of three, four, six, eight or 11 months.

Three-month positions are mainly filled by students or people seeking work only during the summer, he said.

“We are trying to see if we can move within some other frameworks because obviously there is an issue with the three-month positions,” Karvounis said.

Staffing and schedules

Lifeguard schedules vary according to each beach, its visitor numbers and risk level, as well as available personnel, Karvounis said.

He said 377 lifeguard positions had been approved this year. While some posts remain unfilled each year, the ministry is working to increase the number of lifeguard positions annually.

Cyprus has long faced difficulties filling seasonal lifeguard posts during the summer months.

Call for more long-term posts

Cyprus Lifeguard Federation president Polis Pallikaros said in June that proposals to reduce staffing at lifeguard towers would conflict with international safety standards and could hinder rescue operations.

He called for more permanent or 10-month lifeguard positions across the island, saying staffing needs were greatest in Limassol and Paphos.