Thirty lifeguard towers across the government-controlled Famagusta district are staffed by 86 lifeguards, while seven towers at smaller beaches remain unstaffed because of low visitor numbers.
Famagusta District Administration Lifeguard Supervisor Michalis Adamou told CNA that not a single new lifeguard joined the district this year, while two or three existing staff members left.
Seven beaches without lifeguards
Adamou said the seven unstaffed towers are located at smaller beaches that attract about 10 visitors on an average day, although numbers increase during August and at weekends.
The affected beaches are Pagida in Sotira; Loukkos tou Manti and Katsarka in Ayia Napa; and Glyky Nero, Sirena, Nisia and Mima Rosa in Paralimni.
Lifeguard hours vary by beach
The standard operating hours for lifeguard towers are from 9.30am until 5pm.
During the peak months of June, July, August and September, coverage is extended by an hour and a half, until 6.30pm. The extension does not apply everywhere, however, as employment contracts do not allow lifeguards working six days a week to be required to complete more than 10 hours of overtime per month.
The extended schedule applies daily at most beaches selected for lifeguard coverage. Three or four beaches with particularly low visitor numbers retain the standard hours.
Four beaches, two in Ayia Napa and two in Protaras, are staffed from 7am until 6.30pm. These are Makronissos and Pantachou 1, near the Grecian area and Ayia Napa harbour, as well as Kapparis and Vrysi 2 on Protaras’ main beach.
Two of the four receive year-round coverage beginning at 7am. Their winter schedule runs until 2.30pm, while summer coverage continues until 6.30pm.
Pernera incident outside bathing area
Referring to the recent incident in the Pernera sea area of Protaras, Adamou said it occurred outside the designated bathing area.
He described it as an accident and said the incident did not fall within the lifeguards’ area of responsibility.
Seasonal employment deters applicants
Adamou expressed particular concern about the lack of new personnel, saying there was little interest even among clubs whose members participate in competitions and traditionally provide potential recruits.
He suggested that the limited employment period may be discouraging applicants, as working for only six months of the year does not provide sufficient job security.
The matter has been discussed with the relevant authorities, he said, and lifeguards may be offered longer periods of employment this year.
A lifeguard’s starting salary is €1,560 net per month, with opportunities to increase earnings through overtime. Adamou described the salary as reasonable but stressed that the job requires an affinity for the sea and appropriate training.
In his view, the limited number of working months remains the principal obstacle to attracting new lifeguards.
Source: CNA
