Lifeguard shortages reported in Paphos and Famagusta districts

Cyprus is facing a significant shortage of lifeguards across the Famagusta and Paphos districts, impacting beach safety and service availability during the summer season.

In the Famagusta district, Michalis Adamou, the Lifeguard Supervisor for the District Administration, reported that there have been no new hires this year. While 30 lifeguard towers are staffed by 86 lifeguards, seven towers at smaller beaches remain unstaffed due to low visitor numbers. These locations include Pagida in Sotira, Loukkos of Mandi, and Katsarka in Ayia Napa, as well as Glyky Nero, Sirena, Nisia, and Mima Rosa in Paralimni.

In the Paphos district, Deputy District Officer Frosy Georgiou stated that eight out of 33 lifeguard towers remain closed due to insufficient staffing. Out of 104 approved positions, only 82 individuals have been hired. Georgiou has called for increased interest from the public, particularly young people, to fill these roles. She emphasized that addressing the shortage requires mobilization from clubs and private sectors alongside government efforts to better inform potential candidates about the profession.