Lifeguards save 55-year-old Russian man from drowning in Paphos

On October 31, 2026, a 55-year-old Russian national was rescued from the sea at the Venus municipal beach in Paphos after being found unresponsive. Lifeguards Fitos Ioannou and Alexandros Anastasiou immediately initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) upon pulling the man from the water. The resuscitation efforts continued until the arrival of an ambulance, at which point the man began to regain consciousness. Following further medical care, it was reported that the individual's condition has stabilized and his life is no longer in danger.

Despite the successful rescue, the incident has highlighted a significant deficiency in emergency equipment at the beach. Reports indicate that the lifeguards were forced to perform life-saving procedures without access to medical oxygen, as the specific unit lacked the necessary supplies. This equipment shortage has prompted renewed public and professional concern regarding the current safety standards and resources provided at lifeguard stations across Cyprus.