[PIO] Announcement by the Ministry of Interior on beach safety and the staffing of lifeguards

Following publications concerning beach safety, the Ministry of Interior says that it acknowledges the issue of insufficient staffing of lifeguards at some beaches, mainly in the Limassol and Famagusta districts.

It is reported that the Ministry of Interior, through the Provincial Administrations, has been managing and implementing the National Beach Safety Plan "SALAMIS" to provide lifeguard coverage of organised beaches nationwide for almost 2 years now, with rescues amounting to 416 for the years 2022 and 2023.

The Ministry is taking continuous actions aimed at upgrading the quality of the lifeguard services provided, in order to provide as much safety as possible for bathers on organised beaches.

It is reported that significant steps forward have already been taken for the registration of the profession of beach lifeguards, through the establishment of a new uniform procedure and recruitment criteria, as well as the upgrading of the Scale of the Lifeguard position, so that suitably qualified persons are recruited to staff the beaches.

In addition, the Ministry has made a purchase of new lifeguard equipment, while the purchase of additional necessary equipment is being rolled out in cooperation with the Provincial Administrations.

In addition, 45 new lifeguard towers have been erected/replaced nationwide in 2022 on the initiative of the Ministry of Interior.

Regarding the staffing of the winter beaches, the procedures for the recruitment of additional permanent staff are underway, mainly in Famagusta province, while at the same time the need for any additional permanent positions in the other provinces is being considered. Concerning the shortages of seasonal staff, these are mainly observed during the summer months and concern primarily seasonal 3-month and 4-month posts.

Furthermore, for better lifeguard coverage of organised beaches, the extension by 2 hours per day of the lifeguard coverage hours in Larnaca, Famagusta and Nicosia during the peak months has already been approved.

The Ministry of Interior informs the public that it will continue to issue notices, which will be updated periodically, to inform them about the staffing of beaches with lifeguards for their greater safety and protection.(see relevant update here).

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