Nearly half of the lifeguard towers in the Limassol District are unstaffed, a fact that puts human lives at risk, Sakis Nikolaou, head of the Limassol lifeguard unit, told CNA. At the same time, the District Administration is calling for expressions of interest to staff the unit.

In light of the lifeguards’ participation in the 24-hour strike by hourly-wage government employees today, Wednesday, Mr. Nikolaou spoke about the serious problem of understaffing, which is also a consequence of their low wages.

Specifically, he noted that out of a total of 24 lifeguard stations, only 13 are operational, with 43 active lifeguards, while two lifeguard stations are inactive due to a lack of lifeguard towers.

A prime example is the popular 5-kilometer stretch of Lady’s Mile, where only one lifeguard tower is in operation, while at Pentakomo Beach (Governor’s Coast), there is no lifeguard coverage at all.

“This understaffing is unacceptable and endangers the lives of swimmers,” he said, adding that the lifeguards are asking for nothing more than what they are entitled to.

“Our demands are clear,” noted the spokesperson for the Limassol lifeguards, pointing out that they involve hiring more permanent lifeguards to cover all open spots and creating 10-month in Limassol, which, he estimates, will attract more people to the unit.

In addition, he continued, the lifeguards are requesting an increase in the number of 12-month positions to ensure the uninterrupted operation of lifeguard stations throughout the year, wage increases for the years 2025–2027, improvements to benefits, such as allowances, insurance coverage, and working conditions; and, finally, recognition of their contributions through substantial support from the government.


“Limassol is the heart of tourism, and safety in its waters is not a luxury but a necessity,” concluded the head of the Limassol lifeguard unit in his statement.

Furthermore, on behalf of the District Administration, the Assistant District Governor of Limassol, Nikolas Tsioulos, told CNA that the issue of understaffing is widespread and that efforts are being made to meet the needs through ongoing calls for interested candidates.

“We should have 74 lifeguards in Limassol; but we have 11 permanent staff, and 26 positions remain vacant—specifically, 8 seven-month positions, 14 three-month positions, and 4 four-month positions,” she said, emphasizing that “since we did not receive the necessary number of applicants in the first call for applications, we are continuing to issue calls for applications and are waiting for people to respond.”

He urged those interested to call 25806418 or visit the District Administration’s website for more information, adding that, under normal circumstances, four lifesaving medals are required, however, due to the emergency situation and with the relevant authorization from the competent Ministry, applications from candidates holding three medals are being accepted.

Mr. Tsioulos confirmed that only 13 of the total 24 lifeguard stations are currently operational, expressing his hope that, a second lifeguard tower in the Lady’s Mile area will be operational by early July.

Finally, he noted that the issue of professional recognition and financial compensation for lifeguards does not fall within the jurisdiction of the District Administration.

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Source: CNA