Critical Staffing Challenges Across Cyprus Beaches
A shortage of lifeguards continues to affect beaches across Cyprus, with the Interior Ministry reporting staffing gaps, particularly in Limassol and Paphos. Around 380 lifeguard positions, funded jointly by the ministry and local authorities, remain difficult to fill. The ongoing shortage has also prompted discussions about how available staff should be deployed during the summer season.
Evaluating Staffing Proposals Under Safety Standards
One proposal put forward by local authorities would see a single lifeguard assigned to each tower in an effort to extend coverage across more beaches. Andreas Karvounis, an officer with the ministry’s beach safety unit, cautioned that any such changes would need to comply with existing safety requirements. According to Karvounis, expanding coverage should not come at the expense of operational safety standards.
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Federation Warns Of Compromised Rescue Operations
Those concerns are shared by the Cyprus Lifeguard Federation. Its president, Polis Pallikaros, argued that reducing staffing levels would conflict with international safety protocols and could affect response times during rescue operations. For that reason, he called for an increase in both permanent and seasonal lifeguard positions, particularly in Limassol and Paphos.
By way of comparison, Pallikaros noted that the Famagusta district has 47 permanent positions, while the Paphos district has only three. Each year, around 110 lifeguards must be recruited to cover seasonal demand in the district.
Equipment And Coverage Gaps Compound The Issue
Staffing shortages are not the only challenge facing beach safety services. Pallikaros also pointed to a lack of motorised rescue equipment, including jet skis used for rapid response and wider coastal coverage. Limited resources, he said, can affect the ability of lifeguards to respond quickly across larger stretches of coastline. Coverage gaps have also been reported in several locations. Lifeguard officer Sakis Nikolaou said parts of Governor’s Beach and sections of Lady’s Mile within the British bases currently remain without lifeguard supervision.
Industry And Union Perspectives
Concerns over staffing levels have also been raised by trade union Oekdy-Sek. In a statement cited by Cyprus Mail, the union argued that a single lifeguard cannot effectively manage emergencies without additional support. It also highlighted the importance of coordinated alert procedures and access to rescue equipment.
