In its announcement PASYEK-PEO notes that the lifeguard towers remain closed on 7 beaches in Limassol District, 8 in Famagusta District and 3 in Larnaca District
The lifeguard coverage of the beaches is insufficient, says PASYEK-PEO in a statement. He notes that at the same time that the beaches of Cyprus are flooded daily by thousands of visitors, local and foreign, unfortunately several beaches remain without lifeguard coverage and others without the required number of Lifeguards.
Specifically , PASYEK-PEO reports that lifeguard towers remain closed on 7 beaches in Limassol District, 8 in Famagusta District and 3 in Larnaca District in view of the peak of tourist traffic and summer holidays in August.
In addition, he notes that due to understaffing, despite the repeated actions of PASYEK-PEO, the phenomenon of only one Lifeguard working in some towers continues to be observed, a fact which puts the lives of both bathers and Lifeguards in immediate danger.
“The problem continues to exist on the beaches that operate throughout the year, since the permanent Lifeguards who work 12 months a year are not enough to cover the needs. Also, there are still today bathing beaches without a lifeguard tower as well as several towers which are unsuitable, non-functional and do not provide the necessary safety for the lifeguards' health, making their work difficult at the same time”, he adds.
Unfortunately, these working conditions, says PASYEK-PEO, in combination with the lack of permanency perspective result in a lack of interest in the Lifeguard profession with all the negative consequences that are created.
“Therefore, the need to re-discuss comprehensively and in-depth all the issues concerning the sector of Lifeguards who staff the beaches of our country is now imperative. We call on the Ministry of the Interior, even the governor, to immediately take all the necessary actions so that all the beaches that are currently without the necessary lifeguard coverage are fully and adequately staffed,” he concludes.
