Newsroom
With summer in full swing, a serious shortage of lifeguards is raising concerns about swimmer safety along Limassol’s coastline.
Out of 79 lifeguard positions approved for the district this year, only 43 are currently filled, according to Deputy Limassol District Governor Electra Panayiotou. Just 16 of the 26 lifeguard towers are operational.
Despite efforts to ease requirements by reducing the number of lifeguard training levels from four to three, the response from candidates has been underwhelming.
“There simply isn’t enough interest,” Panayiotou said. “Even when we scheduled a screening for new lifeguards earlier this week, no one showed up.”
One area of particular concern is Governor’s Beach, where not a single lifeguard tower is operating. Although three people have recently expressed interest in the job, they still need to complete the screening process before they can be hired.
The shortage is not just about numbers, it’s also about timing. Popular swimming spots like Olympia and Kourion beaches attract early morning swimmers, but current lifeguard hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are no staff available to cover earlier hours, Panayiotou noted.
Even heavily trafficked beaches like Ladies Mile, which stretches five kilometers, are struggling. Only one of two lifeguard towers is staffed, despite requests from the British Bases to open both.
Several factors are contributing to the problem. Panayiotou pointed to Brexit as one, saying that fewer Cypriot students are returning from the UK early enough to apply for summer lifeguard positions. Others prefer working at hotel pools, where the hours are shorter, and the responsibilities are lighter.
There’s also frustration over the structure of the Cyprus Lifeguard Federation’s certification system. Lifeguard qualifications last only two years. If a lifeguard doesn’t complete the next level in time, they’re forced to start the training process from scratch.
“We really do have a problem,” Panayiotou said. “Despite all our efforts, we’re not able to cover the district’s needs.”
