Cyprus to overhaul lifeguard certification and staffing models

The Cypriot Interior Ministry and stakeholders have announced a major restructuring of beach safety protocols, effective from 2027. Following a series of drownings, the government is shifting lifeguard certification from the Cyprus Lifesaving Federation to the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA). This change allows candidates to train through private providers and nautical clubs, aiming to reduce costs and increase the pool of applicants. The initiative is a direct response to chronic personnel shortages that have left between 33 and 80 of the island's 113 to 114 lifeguard towers unstaffed.

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou has initiated a review of the current seasonal contract system, which currently relies on three-to-four-month terms. George Constantinou, secretary-general of Oekydy-SEK, noted that these temporary positions fail to attract sufficient talent. Authorities are now considering shifting to longer-term employment models to improve retention and extend coverage beyond the current standard hours of 10am to 5pm, as the tourist season has grown longer. The government is continuing to examine strategies to address these staffing gaps as part of its commitment to improving coastal safety.