NICOSIA - A shortage of funds for hiring lifeguards has meant that some beaches on the island are only partially patrolled during the day while others will have no cover at all this summer.
Speaking to The Cyprus Weekly, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) representative on the Central Beach Committee Rodoula Antoniou confirmed recent media reports that some municipalities have inadequate lifeguard cover.
“We have received complaints from members of the public regarding a number of beaches in Cyprus which do not appear to have adequate lifeguard cover and this is something that deeply concerns the CTO.”
On some of Ayia Napa’s most popular beaches the number of lifeguards on duty has been more than halved this summer due to lack of funds.
Speaking to the media, Ayia Napa deputy mayor Vassos Xydias explained that the Famagusta District Office which provides 50% of the funding for the hiring of lifeguards in the region has this year allocated less than half the money it did last year, due to the current economic crisis.
While 44 lifeguards were employed in the district last summer this year only 17 will be patrolling the beaches.
Popular beaches Kermia and Konnos currently have no lifeguard cover at all.
“We understand that all municipalities are facing tough economic times but cutbacks should never be made on matters concerning public safety,” said Antoniou.
Meanwhile, since 2006 a bill has been pending that affects the legislation governing lifeguards duties, working hours and working conditions and at present there is no legal coverage for anyone in the profession.
The CTO has in the past stated that there is a serious need for lifeguards duties, qualifications and gear to be reviewed by parliament in order for more effective protection to be available for the public.
Bills were drafted in 2006 but, according to reports, they have not been voted in because the practicality of applying them would incur an added cost to the state.
Cyprus’ lack of lifeguard cover was highlighted this week after a British tourist lost consciousness while swimming in the sea off Konnos beach. She was luckily pulled ashore by the owner of a water sports business who may have saved her life.
So far this summer just one tourist, a 69-year-old British woman, has drowned after losing consciousness in the sea in the Polis Chrysochous area
Safety officials warn that on an island the size of Cyprus there should be at least 600 trained lifeguards working during the summer season but currently there are fewer than one third of this figure safeguarding the beaches.