Limassol's Lifeguard Unit was mobilised immediately on the afternoon of 15 August, after a 25-year-old man from Nepal began sinking in the sea near the LEM 0 area, opposite the zoo. In a state of panic, the young man grabbed his wife, who was nearby, putting both of them at risk.
How the incident unfolded
According to the Limassol Lifeguard Unit, the incident occurred at 17:30. The 25-year-old had attempted to swim back from the rocks towards the shore, despite having limited swimming ability and being physically exhausted. During the attempt, he began to sink and, in a panic, grabbed hold of his wife.
Lifeguard and bystander response
LEM 0 lifeguards had already identified the man as a weak swimmer in a hazardous location and intervened immediately with a rescue board. At the same time, members of the public who were around 20 metres away also rushed to help.
The 25-year-old was safely brought ashore on the rescue board, while the neighbouring LEM 15 lifeguard post, which is equipped with a jet ski, was also alerted. According to the Lifeguard Unit, without the timely intervention of the lifeguards and the members of the public who came to help, the incident could have resulted in multiple casualties.
Aftermath
After being brought to shore, the 25-year-old was examined by lifeguards and given first aid. He did not require further medical care, and transfer by ambulance was not deemed necessary.
Lifeguard unit's safety advice
Following the incident, the Limassol Lifeguard Unit is urging the public to avoid swimming in difficult or rocky areas without strong swimming ability, and not to overestimate their own strength, particularly in the presence of currents or wind. It also reminded swimmers that, in the event of danger, they should call for help rather than grabbing hold of people nearby, as doing so can put those people at risk as well.
