Remote controlled lifejacket system to support Paphos rescue operations

A remote-controlled lifejacket system has been introduced to help improve rescue operations for bathers at Ta Bania beach, the Paphos municipality said on Wednesday.

“This specific initiative constitutes practical support for the Paphos municipality and its lifesaving services,” said the head of the Paphos region tourism development Nassos Hadjigeorgiou.

According to Hadjigeorgiou, the system is up to five times faster than a champion swimmer and has a range of approximately 800 metres, with a battery life of 50 minutes, which he said allowed for a flexible response to rescue incidents.

He said that the lifejacket system marks the second of its kind that has been installed at another beach in the region and that a third remote controlled lifejacket is currently being discussed.

“The value of the equipment is approximately 4,500 euros,” he said.

Head of the Paphos municipality beach committee, Euclid Ambrosiadis described the contribution as a substantial upgrade of lifeguard services in the region.

He said that a total of 12 beaches are currently located within the boundaries of the Paphos municipality, two of which are directly owned and operated by the municipality, while the rest are rented.

Paphos mayor Angelos Onisiforou said that the lifejackets would significantly enhance visitor safety, emphasising that the use of modern technology was a key priority for the municipality, as was improving the region’s tourist image and ensuring a high level of safety.