Fileneww 1 August 2023
The lifeguard coverage of the beaches is insufficient, PASYEK-PEO said in a statement. He notes that at the same time that the beaches of Cyprus are flooded daily by thousands of visitors, locals and foreigners, unfortunately several beaches remain without lifeguard coverage and others without the required number of lifeguards.
Specifically, PASYEK-PEO reports that lifeguard towers remain closed on 7 beaches in Limassol District, 8 in Famagusta District and 3 in Larnaka District, especially in view of the peak of tourist traffic and summer holidays in August.
In addition, he notes that due to understaffing, despite the repeated actions of PASYEK-PEO, the phenomenon continues to be observed in some towers that only one lifeguard works, which poses an immediate danger to the lives of both bathers and lifeguards.
"The problem continues to exist on the beaches that operate throughout the year, since the permanent lifeguards who work 12 months a year are not enough to cover the needs. Also, there are still beaches for bathers without a lifeguard tower as well as several towers that are unsuitable, non-functional and do not provide the necessary safety for the health of lifeguards, while making their work difficult", he adds.
Unfortunately, these working conditions, PASYEK-PEO says, combined with the lack of prospect of tenure, result in a lack of interest in the profession of Lifeguard with all the negative consequences that are created.
"Therefore, it is now imperative to discuss comprehensively and in depth all issues concerning the sector of Lifeguards who staff the beaches of our country. We call on the Ministry of Interior, even in the last resort, to immediately take all necessary actions so that all the beaches that are today without the necessary lifeguard coverage are fully and adequately staffed", he concludes.
KYPE
