After the deaths of two girls, ETAP calls for the installation of signs and lifebuoys on Larnaca beaches

The Larnaca Tourism Development and Promotion Company (ETAP) has issued an official demand to the local authorities and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Cyprus to urgently strengthen safety measures in coastal areas. The reason for the strong appeal was the tragic incident in which two young girls drowned. The organization insists on an immediate review of beach equipment standards.

ETAP’s key requirements for infrastructure modernization:
To prevent similar accidents in the future, the association is calling for a comprehensive set of protective and informational measures:
— Installation of rescue equipment. Place permanent stands with lifebuoys and ropes every few dozen meters along the coastline, especially in areas with a sharp change in depth or strong currents.
— Warning signs and multilingual stands. Install clearly visible information boards warning about hidden dangers, currents, and areas where swimming may involve an increased risk. The information should be provided in several languages.
— Clear zoning. Mark safe swimming boundaries with color and special buoys.

The issue of staff shortages and extending patrol hours:
In addition to technical equipment, ETAP draws attention to the long-standing problem of organizing lifeguard posts in Cyprus:
— Extending working hours. Most tragic incidents occur in the early morning or evening hours, when certified municipal lifeguards have already left their posts. The organization is calling for extended duty hours at popular beaches.
— Staffing issue. It is proposed to speed up the hiring of professional lifeguards for the entire holiday season and provide them with modern communications equipment and motorized rescue craft for rapid response.

ETAP management emphasized that Larnaca has a high safety status, including prestigious international Blue Flag awards for key city beaches such as Finikoudes and Mackenzie, however such safety gaps on wild or partially developed stretches of coastline put people’s lives and the reputation of the tourist region at risk.