The summer season has begun with several concerns surrounding beach safety and the staffing of beach lifeguards, according to the OEKDY SEK trade union, which warned against any compromise on matters relating to human life and public safety.
The union said that issues affecting both lifeguards and beachgoers require urgent attention, stressing that public safety must remain a priority during the busy summer period.
Calls to address staff shortages
According to OEKDY SEK, seasonality remains one of the main obstacles in attracting workers to the profession. The union said the temporary nature of employment discourages people from entering the field and contributes to ongoing staffing shortages.
To address the issue, the union argued that the employment period for beach lifeguards should be extended to make the profession more attractive and sustainable.
“The employment period for lifeguards should be expanded so that the profession becomes more appealing,” the union stated.
Safety measures should not be weakened
The union also highlighted operational concerns, saying there are several matters related to strengthening beach safety that are not being handled appropriately. It added that certain interventions appear to weaken existing safety measures.
As an example, OEKDY SEK explained that when a beach lifeguard identifies a swimmer in danger, rescue procedures require rapid intervention. The union noted that a lifeguard is expected to reach the individual, bring them out of the water and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation within three minutes.
Need for two beach lifeguards
The union stressed that such emergencies cannot realistically be handled by a single person.
According to OEKDY SEK, a second beach lifeguard is needed to contact emergency services, call for additional assistance, bring a defibrillator, prepare the victim for treatment and support the rescuer who entered the water.
The union also claimed that pressure is being placed in some cases for beaches to operate with only one lifeguard in order to increase the number of beaches receiving Blue Flag recognition and attract tourism.
It warned that economic considerations should never outweigh public safety and the protection of human life.
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