Confusion and concern have erupted over the safety of the waters at Lady’s Mile beach in Limassol, as conflicting reports from the British Bases and Cypriot authorities leave the public unsure whether it’s safe to swim.
The issue began on Saturday when the British Bases (SBAs) issued a public warning, citing possible water contamination in the area. They have since reiterated their advice that people should avoid swimming at Lady’s Mile “until further notice,” stating that the source of the suspected pollution remains unidentified.
In contrast, the Cyprus Department of Environment reported on Sunday that no contamination was detected. Director Theodoulos Mesimeris stated that testing is done regularly and rigorously at three designated points in Lady’s Mile, under an EU-regulated programme. He added that joint sampling with the SBAs took place on Friday and that official analysis from the State Lab confirmed clean waters.
Caught between these conflicting statements, the Kourion Municipality has stepped in. Mayor Pantelis Georgiou announced that they have initiated independent sampling via a certified private lab, aiming to provide full transparency and public reassurance.
“We were notified by the SBAs on Saturday around midday. We had a duty to inform the public,” Georgiou said. “But we have received no actual data from either side. We’re taking our own samples and will publish the results as soon as we receive them.”
Samples have been taken from four points in front of the restaurants under municipal jurisdiction. The results are expected by Tuesday morning (21/05), with a public announcement anticipated between 10:00 and 11:00.
Mayor Georgiou stressed the urgency of identifying the source of the suspected pollution. If it originates from the adjacent salt lake, the situation could be more serious and harder to manage. If it’s the result of an external incident- such as illegal discharge from a passing ship- it may be easier to resolve.
The SBAs, meanwhile, say they are continuing to work closely with Cypriot authorities and are committed to reaching a joint conclusion swiftly. “The health and safety of the public is our top priority,” a spokesperson said, urging caution in the meantime.
The Department of Environment has also confirmed that more water testing is scheduled for 20th May, as part of its long-standing monitoring programme.
For now, Lady’s Mile remains open, but the public remains caught between conflicting advice, a situation that raises questions about communication and environmental oversight at one of Cyprus’s most popular beaches.
Also read: City Friends Club and Polemidia Municipality urgent cleanup
