**Lifeguard Certification Overhaul Launched Amid Staffing Crisis**
Cyprus is set to revamp its lifeguard certification process in response to ongoing staffing challenges within the sector. The new initiative will shift the certification oversight to the Human Resources Development Authority (Anad), introducing a professional standard aimed at enhancing the evaluation of lifeguards' knowledge and skills.
George Constantinou, the secretary-general of Oekydy-SEK, discussed the changes during an appearance on Politis Radio. He highlighted that the new standard replaces the previous system managed by the lifeguard federation, allowing candidates to certify their skills through Anad. This move is intended to ensure that lifeguards meet a consistent level of competency before being deployed to protect beachgoers.
Despite the overhaul in certification, Cyprus continues to grapple with significant staffing shortages in its lifeguard services. Currently, out of the 113 lifeguard towers across the island, 33 remain unstaffed. Constantinou attributed this shortfall to the nature of seasonal employment, which often leads to high turnover rates. Many lifeguards leave the profession due to the uncertainty of short-term contracts followed by periods of unemployment.
To address these staffing issues, Constantinou advocated for the creation of more permanent positions within the lifeguard workforce. He suggested that a pathway for younger lifeguards to begin their careers seasonally, with the potential to transition into permanent roles, could help stabilize the workforce. He emphasized that the extended tourist season necessitates lifeguard coverage for a larger part of the year, making it essential to retain qualified personnel.
In addition to staffing concerns, Constantinou pointed out that the operational hours of lifeguards are limited. Most beaches are supervised from around 9:30 AM or 10 AM until 5 PM, despite the fact that many bathers remain at the beach later into the evening during the summer months. He noted that lifeguards' responsibilities extend beyond preventing drownings, as they are also trained to respond to various emergencies, including heart attacks and other serious injuries, many of which go unreported.
The issue of equipment shortages has also come to light, with the Interior Ministry reportedly working to address these gaps. Constantinou reiterated the need for a unified beach safety service that would coordinate safety measures across the island. Currently, the responsibility for beach supervision is divided among district administrations and local authorities, while swimming pools are solely overseen by local authorities.
The announcement of the certification overhaul comes in the wake of criticism from Polys Pallikaros, chairman of the lifeguard federation. Following a tragic incident earlier this month in which a Romanian woman drowned at CTO beach in Larnaca, Pallikaros condemned the decision to close lifeguard towers at 6 PM, labeling it as "criminal." This incident has intensified calls for improved safety measures and more comprehensive coverage at beaches.
As Cyprus moves forward with the new lifeguard certification standards, stakeholders hope that these changes will not only improve the quality of lifeguard training but also address the critical staffing shortages that currently threaten beach safety. The success of this initiative will depend on the collaboration between various authorities and the commitment to enhancing the lifeguard profession on the island.