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Jet ski rescue saves swimmer off Limassol beach

In-Cyprus · 2026-08-19

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: A 24-year-old foreign national was rescued by lifeguards on a jet ski after struggling while swimming off Limassol beach. He was in difficulty near the breakwaters and was brought to safety without requiring medical care. • Why it matters: The incident highlights ongoing concerns about drowning safety in Cyprus, particularly for foreign nationals, who represented a significant percentage of drowning victims in 2025. The rescue underscores the importance of lifeguard presence and the need for adequate staffing and operating hours. • What to watch next: Continued scrutiny of lifeguard staffing and safety measures in Cyprus is expected, especially in light of recent fatal drownings. The government's response to these concerns and any potential policy changes will be closely monitored.

Local LimassolTop News Jet ski rescue saves swimmer off Limassol beach Relevant News Jet ski rescue saves swimmer off Limassol beach 19 August 2026 Who exactly is Averof Neofytou talking to? 19 August 2026 Turkey: Chasing ghosts, and being chased by them 19 August 2026 newsroom 19 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Lifeguards pulled a 24-year-old foreign national to safety on Wednesday morning after he got into difficulty while swimming off Limassol, the Limassol Lifeguard Unit said. He had set out to swim towards the breakwaters in the sea area opposite the GSO, within lifeguard zone LEM 15, when he began struggling and calling for help around 6:30am. It was his first visit to Cyprus, and he had no previous experience swimming in the sea. By the time rescuers reached him, he was already out of his depth. A nearby bather had gone to his aid first and stayed with him until the lifeguard team, alerted from the LEM 15 tower, arrived by rescue jet ski and pulled him onto a rescue board. He was brought ashore safely, found to be in good condition, and did not require further medical care. LEM 15 is one of two lifeguard points in Limassol that operate from 6am to 8pm, the unit noted, giving swimmers coverage from early morning onward. The rescue comes amid continued scrutiny of drowning safety in Cyprus. Foreign nationals accounted for 61% of the 33 deaths recorded in aquatic environments across the country in 2025, according to figures presented by the Ministry of Health in July. A series of fatal drownings this summer, including in Larnaca, Limassol and Protaras, has renewed pressure on the government over lifeguard staffing shortages and limited operating hours, with the Cyprus Lifeguard Federation saying drownings are rare wherever lifeguards are actively present. Read more: Third Larnaca drowning at unguarded beach as only 10 of 19 towers staffed Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Who exactly is Averof Neofytou talking to? Turkey: Chasing ghosts, and being chased by them Nick Kyrgios suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine British Bases Police announce zero-tolerance policy for bird trapping season Things to do on Wednesday, August 19 Former Turkish Cypriot MEP Kizilyurek says he feels shame over Isaac, Solomou killings August rainfall proves highly beneficial, with 62mm falling in a single day Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.

Source: In-Cyprus
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