Lifeguard shortages in Limassol have become a concern this year, where only 43 of the 79 approved lifeguard positions have been filled this summer, according to Limassol district officer Electra Panayiotou. This raises serious concerns about beach safety during peak season.
Currently, just 16 out of 26 lifeguard towers across the district are operational. Despite efforts to make recruitment easier- including a reduction in required lifeguard certifications from four to three- there has been little response. “We have a real problem,” Panayiotou said. “Despite our efforts, we cannot meet the demand.”
Particularly concerning is the situation at Governor’s Beach, where no towers are operational due to a lack of available personnel. A scheduled assessment session for new candidates on Monday saw zero turnout, although three individuals have since expressed interest and are expected to undergo evaluation soon.
The British Bases have also requested the staffing of a second tower at Ladies Mile, where currently only one tower is functioning along a five-kilometre stretch.
Panayiotou attributed the lifeguard shortages in Limassol to several factors, including Brexit- which led to fewer Cypriot students returning from the UK in early summer- and the appeal of hotel pool jobs, which offer fewer responsibilities and better conditions. She also pointed to rigid certification rules from the Cyprus Lifeguard Federation, which require recertification every two years or a restart from scratch.
Staffing remains especially difficult during early morning hours, despite rising numbers of early swimmers. Although towers normally operate between 10:30 and 18:00, key beaches like Olympion and Kourion would benefit from lifeguard presence starting at 6:30- a need that currently cannot be met.
The lifeguard shortages in Limassol pose growing risks as summer temperatures soar and beach activity peaks.
Also read: Purple jellyfish warning in Greece- what about Cyprus?
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