Beach safety must remain top priority, unions warn

Beach safety must remain top priority, unions warned on Monday, calling on the government to ensure there are enough lifeguards on the beaches this summer.

In a joint statement, trade unions Sek, Peo and Deok said it is crucial to have enough lifeguards at lifeguard towers, adding that without them, the safety of bathers and lifeguards is at risk.

They said proposals to staff towers with just one lifeguard instead of the two lifeguards recommended in the national beach safety plan Salamis are unacceptable.

The unions said the government must prioritise the protection of human lives.

They added that they will take strong action to prevent any regression that could put citizens, tourists, or lifeguards in danger.

Although some progress has been made in recent years, the unions said coverage of lifeguard towers is still inadequate, especially during busy times when the beaches are crowded.

They also highlighted the necessity of proper working conditions and contracts to keep experienced personnel.

Last year, all coastal areas of Cyprus reported a lack of lifeguards.

In August 2025, the municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia made an urgent request for lifeguards because seven out of 38 towers in the Famagusta district were unstaffed, while reports from Larnaca indicated that only 11 out of 19 lifeguard towers there were staffed.

Similar shortages were seen in Limassol, which saw the federation of professional lifeguards raise concerns of increasing risks for swimmers.

The unions have repeatedly requested contracts of eight to 12 months for lifeguard, saying that short-term employment is not enough to ensure beach safety throughout the year.

Although strikes were threatened in 2024 regarding working conditions and the Salamis plan, negotiations resulted in the postponement or cancellation of such actions.

The unions are still communicating with municipalities and the government to enhance recruitment, improve working conditions, and increase safety standards.

They stress that no compromises should be made that could jeopardise human life, particularly during busy tourist seasons.