The gaps observed in the staffing of the lifeguard towers on the beaches send the message that bathers must protect themselves with their actions, taking into account that this year the vacancies amount to 84, with the approved positions reaching 374.
The numbers are included in a response by the Minister of the Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, to the MP of Larnaca, Prodromos Alambritis, and it reflects the picture throughout Cyprus in terms of lifeguard coverage, which starts from three months and extends up to twelve months, especially in areas where there are winter swimmers.
In general, and regardless of the duration of coverage of the beaches, 122 (out of 374) lifeguards cover the province of Paphos, 74 in Limassol, 73 in Larnaca, 13 in the province of Nicosia and 92 in the province of Famagusta. In Paphos there are 25 vacancies for lifeguards, in Limassol 26, in Larnaca 23, in Nicosia 4 and in Famagusta 6.
Regarding the months of coverage of the beaches, based on the answer of the Minister of the Interior, 107 lifeguards are active on a 12-month basis, of which 26 serve in Paphos, 12 in Limassol, 29 in Larnaca and 40 in free Famagusta. With an eight-month service there are 50 approved positions in Paphos, 29 in Limassol, 14 (and two vacant positions) in Larnaca and 32 in free Famagusta. With a six-month service in Paphos there are 30 (and 11 vacancies), in Limassol 14 (with eight vacancies) and in Larnaca 7 approved positions and another 7 vacancies. Based on the answer, there are also lifeguards who are employed on a three-month basis.
The minister's answer shows that bathers are more covered when swimming on more crowded beaches, in the sense that they are more organized and have more lifeguards. Specifically, in his answer, he states that "during the period of increased tourist traffic, the lifeguard coverage program is formulated in such a way that priority is given to crowded and higher-risk beaches, as well as to the hours during which the greatest presence of bathers is observed". He adds that the goal is to provide a substantial and effective lifeguard presence where the greatest need is recorded, with the optimal use of the available staff.
Mr. Ioannou also states that "the lifeguard allocation program is being drawn up given that it will be possible to fill all the approved positions". However, as he observes, due to the shortages observed in staffing, it is not always possible to fully implement the program. Therefore, the placement of lifeguards on the beaches is based on priorities and operational needs, taking into account factors such as seasonality, the degree of traffic of each beach, its geographical location, the level of risk, as well as the presence of winter swimmers.
To strengthen the role of lifeguards, the minister informs Mr. Alampritis that "regarding the upgrading and modernization of lifeguard infrastructure, the Ministry of the Interior has included a relevant provision in the state Budget of €500,000 for 2026 and €400,000 per year for the period 2027 – 2028". Mr. Ioannou explains that this provision concerns both the supply of equipment for the needs of lifeguards and lifeguard towers, including jet-skis, and the continuation of the gradual replacement and maintenance of lifeguard towers, where necessary.
