With Limassol's beaches gathering more and more bathers amid high temperatures, staff shortages continue to be a headache for the lifeguard service. Several lifeguard towers remain out of service, while lifeguards are appealing for immediate staffing of vacant positions, while warning bathers not to underestimate the dangers of the sea. "Lifeguards are not babysitters and bathers must follow our instructions," says the Lifeguard of Limassol, Sakis Nikolaou, describing the situation on the beaches of the province.
As he states, the service cannot yet be considered fully staffed. "We need more lifeguards. We are trying to man the busiest beaches of Limassol with two lifeguards, as provided for in the "Salamis" Plan, in order to ensure both the safety of bathers and the lifeguards themselves", he noted.
Today there are about 13 lifeguard towers in operation, while another 6-7 remain out of service either due to lack of staff or due to inadequacy of the facilities. "On the Governor's Coast, the lifeguard tower remains closed, which is a cause for concern in view of the summer traffic. At the same time, lifeguard towers near busy hotels in Limassol also remain out of order, due to the understaffing that the service continues to face," he said.
According to Mr. Nikolaou, about 45 people are currently working, while new exams for candidate lifeguards are scheduled for June 15. At the same time, there are new applications, but the needs are still increased.
An increase in permanent positions and an extension of contracts is required
He noted that there is interest in the profession, which is estimated to be further strengthened if the employment period is increased from eight to ten months and more staff are made permanent. At the same time, he underlined that in order for there to be substantial interest from young people to staff the lifeguard service, especially in Limassol where the greatest needs are observed, it is necessary to increase permanent jobs as well as to extend fixed-term contracts at least on a ten-month basis.
As he explained, in this way all the beaches where there are currently gaps due to unmanned towers could be covered, while at the same time the interest of young people to be trained and work in the lifeguard unit would increase. Those interested can contact the Limassol District Administration for more information and for the submission of the relevant applications.
Another issue that affects the attraction of new lifeguards is the cost of the necessary certifications. Applicants must obtain at least three diplomas, which entails a significant financial burden.
"We have asked the competent authorities to examine whether the system can be modified so that someone can initially be hired with fewer qualifications and be further trained during their work," he said.
Increased attendance at the beaches – Shifts only in GSO and Kourion
The first dips of the summer have already begun and the attendance at the beaches of Limassol shows a significant increase. According to Mr. Nikolaou, lifeguards working on eight-month contracts took up duties in April, while another 10 people employed on a ten-month basis started working in May.
"People have already increased on the beaches. Caution is needed and bathers must be informed by the lifeguards and follow their instructions," he stressed.
In relation to the serious incidents recorded in recent days in Limassol, he said that the lifeguards responded immediately and effectively.
"Lifeguards are fully trained and experienced. They responded in a timely manner and provided the necessary first aid. There were other incidents of lesser seriousness, but the ones that were made public were the most serious," he said.
Mr. Nikolaou explained that, due to the increased attendance of morning swimmers, the shift system is applied only on the beaches of GSO and Kourion. "In the rest of the posts we work from 10:30 in the morning until 6:00 in the afternoon. Unfortunately, due to lack of staff, we cannot apply the same system to all beaches," he said.
Beware of currents, alcohol and dangerous places
Referring to the incidents of near drowning, he noted that several concern people from abroad, who often do not know how to swim well or underestimate the dangers of the sea. "Many do not calculate the currents, the depth or the gaps between the arms. In some places they may step and a few meters further they may not step at all. There are also cases associated with alcohol consumption. That is why we recommend that bathers avoid drinking alcohol before entering the sea," he said.
As he added, lifeguards are often called upon to manage incidents that go beyond their duties, essentially acting as "policemen" on the beaches.
Two towers in Lady's Mile out of service
He made special reference to Lady's Mile beach, where today only one lifeguard tower operates. It is a coastline of about 5 kilometers and has three towers, however, two are out of order. One after the theft of equipment and needs repair, while another has been destroyed by a water turbine.
"A single tower cannot cover the entire Lady's Mile, especially on weekends when a lot of people gather. It is a coastline of about five kilometers," he underlined.
Parents should not leave children unattended
At the same time, the Foreman of Lifeguards sent a message to parents, especially in areas where inflatable toys operate in the sea. "Children must be constantly supervised by their parents and, where necessary, by appropriate staff. It is not possible for parents to leave their children uncontrolled, thinking that lifeguards act as babysitters. We have faced many such cases," he said. He even stressed that parents should not be distracted by using their mobile phones and leaving children unattended in or near the water.
"You can't hold your cell phone and the child is alone in the water. Many times parents do not realize how quickly a drowning can occur."
Referring to the beach of Kourion, Mr. Nikolaou noted that, despite the fact that it is considered one of the best beaches in the province, it requires special attention due to the sea currents and the great depth. So far, no extremely serious incident has been recorded, however the lifeguards remain on constant alert, while calling on bathers to take all necessary protection measures.
In conclusion, Mr. Nicolaou stressed the need for immediate staffing of the lifeguard towers that remain out of service, in order to further enhance safety on the beaches of Limassol during the summer season.
