[PIO] Announcement of the Ministry of Interior regarding the announced protest of beach lifeguards

Regarding the announced protest of beach lifeguards on Thursday, 15 February 2024, the Ministry of Interior informs the following:

[*]In relation to the request for the creation of a Beach Safety Service and having regard to the implementation to date of the National Beach Safety Plan "SALAMIS", the Ministry of Interior is in the process of examining and evaluating the entire lifeguard protection system, with a view to finding the most appropriate solution for the overall management of lifeguard protection by a central body. On this issue, trade unions will be informed as soon as possible to give their views/opinions. [*]Given the above process, which is ongoing and in relation to the request of the trade union side for further creation of permanent lifeguard posts, taking into account the seasonality inherent in the issue of lifeguard protection, with the increase in needs being concentrated in the summer months, with significantly fewer needs in the winter months, the Ministry of Interior considers that, at this stage and until a final decision is taken on the central body that will take over the safety of the beaches, the needs of the lifeguard service will not be met. Any need for additional permanent posts should be subject to assessment and consideration by the central body as it is ultimately decided, in conjunction with the overall planning of lifeguard protection. [*]With regard to references to the general management and implementation of the National Beach Safety Plan "SALAMIS", the Ministry of Interior clarifies that since the start of the implementation of this Plan, measures have been taken by the Ministry, with the contribution of the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (RSCC) and the Provincial Administrations, as well as in cooperation with the Guilds of hourly government personnel. These measures have contributed to the upgrading of lifeguard protection in our country and have resolved long-standing demands of the beach lifeguards themselves as follows:

1. A Service Plan for the hourly position of lifeguard has entered into force.
2. Upgraded the scale of the lifeguard position from Cl. E5-E6 to Cl. E7-E8.
3. A new common procedure and criteria for the recruitment of permanent and seasonal lifeguards was agreed.
4. 45 new lifeguard towers were erected all over the country to upgrade the lifeguard services provided and to improve the working conditions of the staff.
5. The number of permanent lifeguard positions was increased by 14 and today there are 78 permanent lifeguard positions nationwide, which with the filling of the aforementioned 14 new positions will rise to 92. The permanent posts include 36 lifeguards/rescuers at the two airports. The remaining needs are covered on a seasonal basis by the recruitment of seasonal staff depending on the season and the staffing schedule.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Interior is working towards finding the most appropriate solution with regard to the management of lifeguard protection by a central body, which will have overall responsibility both for the recruitment of lifeguards and the staffing of the beaches, and for the supply of the necessary lifesaving equipment and means of rescue. In the meantime, the Ministry of Interior and the Provincial Administrations will continue to implement the National Plan "SALAMIS" as well as the agreed recruitment procedure with a view to ensuring the constructive cooperation with all parties involved until the completion of the above effort.

Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source

[/P]