Head of Lifeguards’ Federation: Closing beach lifeguard stations at 6pm in summer is unacceptable

Head of the Cyprus Lifeguards’ Federation Polis Pallikaros said that closing lifeguard stations on beaches at 6pm during the summer months is unacceptable. Speaking on CyBC, he noted that in July, August and September, lifeguards should be on duty at beaches from sunrise to sunset.

«Human life cannot be assessed in terms of costs», — Pallikaros said. He stressed the importance of lifeguards being present at all times, recounting several recent rescue incidents. In particular, at around 12:30 on Sunday in the Paphos area, lifeguards helped a mother and child who, he said, were at risk of drowning.

In another case, at around 07:30, an off-duty lifeguard received a report about a swimmer in danger in the Coral Bay area and went to help him. Pallikaros also explained that the continuing shortage of lifeguards was due to the short duration of seasonal contracts. Such positions are usually offered for just three to four months, making it difficult for people to leave their main jobs for temporary employment.

In his view, lifeguards should be offered work for at least eight months.