Lifeguard staffing shortages persist on Cyprus beaches

Cyprus is facing persistent lifeguard staffing shortages, with the most critical gaps reported in the Limassol and Paphos districts. Andreas Karvounis, an official from the interior ministry's beach safety unit, confirmed the difficulty in filling approximately 380 seasonal lifeguard positions funded by the state and local authorities. There are currently 107 permanent lifeguard positions available, including specialized rescuers serving at Larnaca and Paphos airports. Local authorities have proposed reducing staffing to one lifeguard per tower to increase coverage, but the interior ministry stated this can only proceed if safety standards remain intact. Polis Pallikaros, president of the Cyprus Lifeguard Federation, argued that reducing tower staffing violates international safety protocols and hinders effective rescue operations. He highlighted a significant disparity in permanent staffing, noting that the Famagusta district has 47 permanent roles compared to only three in Paphos, which must recruit 110 seasonal staff annually. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the maintenance of rescue equipment, such as jet skis, which are necessary for rapid response across broader coastal areas.