The Ministry of the Interior is moving forward with changes to the lifeguard certification system starting next year, Director of Local Government Antonis Economides told CNA on Monday, attributing the shortage of certified candidates, among other things, to interpersonal relationships and disputes between lifeguard clubs and the Cyprus Lifeguard Association (KON), while, as he noted, the number of approved positions is more than sufficient.
Mr. Oikonomidis noted that lifeguard coverage at organized beaches is governed by the “Salamis” Plan, which was approved by the Council of Ministers in 2018 and specifies, among other things, the placement of lifeguard towers, staffing levels, and operating hours. He added that a revision of the Plan, incorporating improvements and changes, was recently approved.
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“The problem is not the number of certified lifeguards, which is more than sufficient, nor their pay. The problem is that there aren’t enough candidates to staff the beaches,” he said.
He explained that, while several lifeguard associations provide training and issue certifications, the current Plan stipulates that lifeguards must hold a certificate approved by the Cyprus Lifesaving Federation (KON).
According to him, due to interpersonal relationships or disputes between lifesaving clubs and KON, there are not enough certified lifeguards to meet the needs of the beaches.
Mr. Oikonomides also noted that KON, which was previously registered, does not currently hold, following the change in legislation regarding Associations and Institutions, a certificate of registration from the Nicosia Registrar of Associations and Foundations.
He added that there have long been complaints from lifesaving clubs, which, he said, claim they are facing problems certifying the lifeguards they train.
“That is why we want to change the system,” he said, describing the current model as “problematic.” As he explained, the Ministry has been in discussions for months with the Human Resources Development Authority (AnAD) so that specific organizations can be certified by the Authority and subsequently issue lifeguard certifications for beaches.
He noted that applications have already been submitted and that organizations, including SEK and PEO, have been certified by AnAD. At the same time, new lifeguard standards are being developed, with certification divided into two categories: beach and pool.
“With the new year, we want to have a new system in place, and we believe that by then there will no longer be a shortage of lifeguards,” he said.
Seasonality and Schedules Are an Issue
A second issue, according to Mr. Oikonomidis, is the seasonal nature of employment. As he explained, some of the lifeguards employed by the District Administrations are permanent employees, while others work for ten, eight, or even four months, depending on the beach and the area.
“It’s not easy to find someone willing to come work for just four months,” he said, noting that the issue will be addressed after this year’s season ends.
Referring to work schedules, he said they vary depending on visitor numbers and other factors, with shifts ending—depending on the beach—at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., or 7:00 p.m. “It’s not simply a matter of keeping them on duty until 8:00 p.m. to cover every eventuality,” he said, noting that lifeguards work long hours in a particularly demanding profession.
When asked about the drowning of a woman in Larnaca on August 15—who had been in the water with her two young children—he said that, according to the information he had, the sea was rough at the time.
“People, and especially parents, must also take personal responsibility,” he said, adding that no one should enter the water with young children when the sea is rough.
As he explained, the lifeguards had finished their shift about 20 minutes before the incident, at 6:00 p.m.
He also cited, as an example of the limits of their working hours, an earlier incident in which women who entered the water fully clothed around 7:30 p.m. drowned near the breakwaters.
“At some point, lifeguards have to clock out,” he said, adding that it is not possible to provide 24-hour lifeguard coverage.
€1.5 million for lifeguard equipment for the 2026–2028 period
Mr. Oikonomides also noted that a budget of €500,000 has been allocated for lifeguard equipment this year, while a corresponding amount has been earmarked for each of the next two years.
As he explained, a Cyprus-wide inventory has been conducted of the equipment at all lifeguard towers and the existing shortages, which include, among other things, defibrillators, jet skis, and radios.
Bids are already underway for the purchase of ten jet skis and other equipment.
At the same time, a tender is being prepared for new lifeguard towers, with the aim of gradually replacing the old wooden structures with more modern and durable towers, including those made of aluminum, which can be mobile when necessary.
Ambiguities in the legislation on water sports
Regarding the serious jet ski accident in the Pernera area on August 15, Mr. Oikonomidis said that the issue does not fall entirely within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior, noting, however, that there are gaps in the existing framework.
As he explained, local authorities designate specific locations in coastal areas for water sports activities, and the relevant licensing procedure is followed.
“However, there are no clear provisions addressing all issues concerning, for example, who may operate a jet ski and under what conditions,” he said, adding that these matters fall more within the jurisdiction of the Port Police.
He noted that there is ambiguity on this specific issue, citing as an example the fact that a foreign visitor can rent a boat or other watercraft in Cyprus, whereas a Cypriot citizen may be required to hold a specific speedboat operator’s license.
“There are, therefore, issues that need to be clarified in the legislation,” he concluded.
Source: CNA
