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Tag: beach safety

  • Elderly Swimmer Tragically Dies at Limassol Beach Before Lifeguards Arrive

    Elderly Swimmer Tragically Dies at Limassol Beach Before Lifeguards Arrive

    An 80-year-old swimmer died at Dassoudi beach in Limassol on Thursday morning, raising urgent concerns about the timing of lifeguard supervision. The incident occurred at a time when no lifeguards were present, leading to calls for a reassessment of the current schedule.

    Witnesses reported that the man was discovered unconscious in the water and subsequently washed ashore in front of approximately ten beachgoers who were unable to intervene effectively. This unfortunate event marks the fifth recorded drowning at Limassol beaches this season and the second within the week.

    Swimmer: Timing of Lifeguard Services Under Scrutiny

    Beachgoers noted that lifeguards typically start their duty at 10:00 am, while many swimmers, especially elderly individuals, frequent the beach as early as 6:30 am to avoid the midday heat. The gap between these times raises significant questions regarding the adequacy of lifeguard coverage during peak swimming hours for older residents.

    Witness Accounts Highlight Urgent Need for Change

    Witnesses at the scene expressed frustration over the lack of lifeguard presence when they felt it was most needed. A social media post from a concerned citizen underscored the discrepancy between the number of swimmers and the availability of lifeguards, stressing that the busiest swimming period for elderly residents occurs well before official supervision begins.

    Context of Drownings at Limassol Beaches

    This tragic incident is not isolated; it adds to a worrying trend at Limassol beaches, with a total of five drownings recorded this season. The frequency of these occurrences has raised alarm among local authorities and community members alike, prompting discussions on how to protect vulnerable swimmers.

    As the community comes to terms with this loss, there is a growing sentiment that immediate action is necessary to prevent further tragedies. The call for revised lifeguard schedules is gaining momentum, as residents advocate for better safety measures to ensure that beachgoers, particularly the elderly, can enjoy the waters without fear.

  • Cyprus Faces Lifeguard Shortage Amid Public Safety Concerns

    Cyprus Faces Lifeguard Shortage Amid Public Safety Concerns

    lifeguard shortage — Cyprus is grappling with a lifeguard shortage that has raised significant public safety concerns, particularly at its organised beaches. Currently, lifeguard towers are operational at only 91 of the island’s 182 organised beaches, according to Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou and industry officials. With approximately 20 rescue jet skis available across this network, the Pan-Cyprian Lifeguard Federation has pointed out critical infrastructure deficiencies that threaten both safety and tourism.

    • As Cyprus prepares for the busy tourist season, the lifeguard federation's concerns underscore the urgent need for improvements in staffing and equipment to ensure the safety of all beach visitors.

    Lifeguard shortage: Infrastructure Gaps and Safety Risks

    The lifeguard federation has highlighted alarming gaps in infrastructure, including closed lifeguard towers in key areas such as Paphos, Polis Chrysochous, Famagusta, and Larnaca. These closures come at a time when public safety is paramount, particularly as the beaches serve a vital role in Cyprus’s tourism-dependent economy.

    Statistics on Sea-Related Incidents

    According to the federation, there have been 48 sea-related deaths in the past five years; however, these figures include incidents that were not solely due to drowning. Currently, the lifeguard workforce consists of 107 permanent lifeguards supplemented by 270 seasonal positions, with varying contract durations approved for 2025. This staffing level raises concerns about the adequacy of resources available to ensure the safety of beachgoers.

    Call for Increased Staffing and Equipment Improvements

    Polys Pallikaros, President of the Pan-Cyprian Lifeguard Federation, has called for an increase in permanent staff to address safety concerns. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of rescue equipment, stating that many jet skis lack the necessary power for effective water rescues. “Ten-horsepower speedboats cannot be utilised even for patrol during rough seas, let alone for rescuing people,” Pallikaros noted, pointing out that rescues often occur under adverse weather conditions.

    Lack of Consultation on Equipment Choices

    Pallikaros revealed that the federation was not consulted about the selection of rescue equipment, questioning the effectiveness of the government’s equipment allocation. He emphasised that rescue vessels require comprehensive supporting infrastructure, including platforms, storage, and maintenance facilities, to be effective.

    Challenges in Seasonal Employment

    Recruitment challenges compound the issues related to lifeguard staffing. The seasonal nature of employment is particularly problematic in regions like Paphos, where limited contract durations discourage potential applicants. Pallikaros questioned the desirability of short-term contracts, asking, “Would you be interested in employment for three, four or even six months and then seek work afterwards?” He advocates for an increase in permanent positions to provide stability and encourage recruitment.

    Funding for Equipment Upgrades

    The Interior Ministry has allocated €500,000 for equipment upgrades from 2026 to 2028, which includes the procurement of new gear for lifeguards and necessary maintenance and replacement of existing facilities. This funding aims to enhance the safety measures in place at organised beaches, although the federation remains cautious about the impact of these changes.

    Proposed Extension of Beach Operating Seasons

    The federation has also proposed extending beach operations from the current six-month season to eight or ten months for high-traffic locations. This extension would not only provide employment continuity for lifeguards but also ensure that experienced personnel are available to safeguard the public during peak tourist seasons.

    Public Compliance and Parental Responsibility

    Pallikaros stressed the importance of parental responsibility and public compliance with safety protocols. Recent incidents, including a child’s rescue in the Paphos area and a dangerous situation in Protaras where swimmers ignored red flag warnings, underscore the need for public awareness. “When someone who lives in the sea and knows its behaviour and dangers gives guidance, we should not disregard their instructions,” he asserted.

    Understanding Safety Markers

    He clarified that swimming buoys are intended to mark vessel exclusion zones rather than denote safe swimming depths. Swimmers are advised to remain within designated areas to avoid the risk of collisions with boats, highlighting the necessity for clearer communication of safety measures to beachgoers.

    As Cyprus prepares for the busy tourist season, the lifeguard federation’s concerns underscore the urgent need for improvements in staffing and equipment to ensure the safety of all beach visitors.

  • Missing swimmer — Tragic Discovery: Missing Swimmer Found Dead in Limassol

    Missing swimmer — Tragic Discovery: Missing Swimmer Found Dead in Limassol

    missing swimmer — missing swimmer — A 73-year-old Greek Cypriot has sadly been found dead following a swimming incident in the Thalassaki area of Limassol. The Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) confirmed the news late on Tuesday evening, marking a sorrowful end to a search operation that began earlier that day.

    • The man was reported missing at approximately 8:40pm after last being seen swimming near Olympion beach. His absence raised immediate concerns, prompting an urgent response from local authorities.
    • The port and maritime police quickly initiated a search operation. Their efforts were supported by the JRCC, who mobilised resources to locate the elderly swimmer.

    The man was reported missing at approximately 8:40pm after last being seen swimming near Olympion beach. His absence raised immediate concerns, prompting an urgent response from local authorities.

    The port and maritime police quickly initiated a search operation. Their efforts were supported by the JRCC, who mobilised resources to locate the elderly swimmer.

    Just under an hour after the search began, at around 9:15pm, JRCC members pulled the man from the water, but he was found unconscious. Emergency services were on standby, and he was swiftly transferred to an ambulance before being taken to Limassol general hospital.

    Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the local community, as residents come to terms with the tragic loss.