Ministry of Interior implements transitional lifeguard certification measures

In May 2026, the Cyprus Ministry of Interior issued a circular allowing the employment of lifeguards with expired certifications on a temporary basis. Antonis Oikonomidis, head of the Local Government Directorate, stated this is a transition strategy to address immediate staffing shortages at beaches and swimming pools. The Ministry is currently transferring the authority for accrediting lifeguard training providers to the Human Resource Development Authority (AnAD). This change aims to standardize assessment criteria and improve system transparency. The President of the Lifeguard Federation, Polys Pallikaros, has publicly opposed the decision. In response, Oikonomidis cited long-standing issues and ongoing complaints regarding the Federation as the primary reason for the transition. These temporary arrangements will remain in effect until the new AnAD certification system is operational and the relevant government personnel regulations are amended.