Filenews 2 August 2023
Following reports regarding beach safety, the Ministry of Interior, in a statement, states that it recognizes the issue that exists regarding the insufficient staffing with lifeguards on some beaches, mainly in the districts of Limassol and Famagusta.
As he notes, through the District Administrations, it undertook the management and implementation of the National Beach Safety Plan "SALAMIS", for the provision of lifeguard coverage of organized beaches, nationwide for almost two years, with rescues amounting to 416 for the years 2022 and 2023.
"The Ministry is taking continuous actions aimed at upgrading the quality of lifeguard services provided, for the greatest possible provision of safety to bathers on organized beaches," he adds.
It is also stated that "significant steps forward have already been taken both to safeguard the profession of beach lifeguards, through the establishment of a new uniform procedure and recruitment criteria, as well as the upgrading of the Lifeguard Position, so that appropriately trained persons are recruited to staff the beaches".
In addition, the Ministry has purchased new lifeguard equipment, while the purchase of additional necessary equipment is underway in cooperation with the District Administrations.
In addition, at the initiative of the Ministry of Interior, 45 new lifeguard towers have been erected/replaced all over Cyprus in 2022.
Regarding the staffing of winter beaches, it is noted that the procedures for hiring additional permanent staff are under way, mainly in the Famagusta district, while at the same time the need for any additional permanent positions in the other districts is being examined.
Regarding the shortages concerning seasonal staff, these, as explained, are mainly observed during the summer months and concern primarily seasonal 3-month and 4-month positions.
"Furthermore, for better lifeguard coverage of organized beaches, the extension by 2 hours per day of lifeguard coverage hours in Larnaca, Famagusta and Nicosia during peak months has already been approved," the Ministry further states.
In conclusion, it informs the public that it will continue to issue announcements, which will be updated at regular intervals, to inform them in relation to the staffing of beaches with lifeguards.
