Confusion continues over the safety of the sea at Lady’s Mile, as conflicting messages emerge from Cypriot authorities and the British Bases.
While the Limassol and Kourion municipalities insist the water is clean, the British Bases have issued public warnings advising people to avoid swimming in the area.
A camera crew from CyBC visited the beach, where large crowds were swimming from early morning. Most bathers expressed scepticism over the British Bases’ statements.
“We only trust the Republic of Cyprus,” said one regular swimmer. “We’ve been coming here for ten years and never had an issue. I believe the British Bases have an agenda.”
Another beachgoer remarked, “The sea is clean. If the Bases are saying otherwise, that’s their problem — they must have some motive.”
A third added, “We’re not afraid. The state chemist confirmed the water is safe. I don’t know if the Bases are pushing another narrative.”
The group acknowledged past issues linked to fish farms in the area but insisted that the sea is now pristine. “It’s crystal clear — you can see the seabed. We’ve been swimming here since 1985 — nearly 40 years.”
Kourion Mayor Pantelis Georgiou also spoke to CyBC, stating that six water samples — four taken by Limassol Municipality and two by Kourion — all showed the water to be “perfectly clean”.
“I don’t know why the British insist the water is unsafe,” he said. “They claim to be waiting for their own results, expected later today. But the Republic already has their data, and it’s been published. The Bases used a different method from what the EU directive requires.”
Also read: Lady’s Mile: Swimming warning remains as Bases await test results
