Pafos Live 14 June 2023
On Thursday, June 8, a General Assembly of Professional Beach Lifeguards of the Pafos District was held to discuss the problems they face in the performance of their duties.
Based on the discussion that took place, it was found that adequate staffing of organized beaches is urgently required for their smooth operation and the safety of both bathers and lifeguards. There are currently 13 vacancies for lifeguards, resulting in several towers being understaffed and underfunctioning.
The beaches of Banya, SODAP and Polis Chrysochous Beach, which operate all year round, must be staffed with at least five more 12-month lifeguards, a justified request which, despite our intense efforts in recent years, has not yet been implemented.
Also, the need to proceed with the procedures for upgrading and improving the towers and infrastructure and for the provision of appropriate equipment to lifeguards became apparent. Unfortunately there is a beach where there is no tower, while on some beaches the towers are unsuitable, endangering the safety and health of lifeguards.
Finally, the Assembly reiterated its position that the procedures for the creation of the Beach Safety Service as defined in the "Salamis Plan" must proceed immediately, which will resolve the multiple problems that exist today that endanger human lives daily.
Based on the above, the General Assembly unanimously decided that all lifeguards will come to a two-hour protest on Tuesday, June 27 from 8 to 10 am. Lifeguards are determined to escalate measures if immediate corrective action is not taken.
From SEK-PEO Trade Unions
