Paphos has become the latest district to report lifeguard shortages, joining Limassol and Larnaca in struggling to fully staff towers ahead of the peak summer season, district officer Maria Chrysochou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Wednesday.

“There is a lack of interest from lifeguards for employment,” Chrysochou said.

A total of 29 lifeguard towers are currently staffed in the Paphos district, while six remained unmanned.

Chrysochou said that as of now, 87 lifeguards are employed but the region needs at least 14 more to meet safety standards.

She cited a lack of interest, limited job security, and short-term contracts as key reasons for the staffing gap.

“Not all lifeguards are on the same contracts, since some have signed contracts for eight months and others for six months depending on needs,” she said.

With the need for coverage peaking in July and August, some beaches, including those in Gialia, Argaka and parts of Polis Chrysochous, will still lack lifeguard presence.

In Paphos municipality, six towers are operated by 18 lifeguards along its 11km coastline.

The busiest site, the municipal baths, is staffed with extra personnel and operates extended hours. Sodap beach, Chrysochou said, could soon follow due to increased visitor numbers.

The district officer also highlighted the need for upgraded infrastructure, including better rescue equipment and improved accessibility for disabled beachgoers.

Mayor of Ierokipia, formerly eastern Paphos, Nikos Palios echoed Chrysochou’s concerns, calling for government support and stressing that one tower still remained entirely unmanned at Timi beach.

Polis Chrysochous Mayor Yiotis Papachristofi called on the Interior Ministry to help cover half of the municipality’s €220,000 annual beach safety costs.

Akamas Mayor Marinos Lambrou said his municipality spends around €200,000 each year, noting that Coral Bay currently had two manned lifeguard towers, Kathizi beach one, and Keratidi beach two.

Larnaca was the first municipality to voice concerns over a serious lifeguard shortage on Monday, warning that only 11 of 19 lifeguard towers in Larnaca were manned.

On Tuesday, Limassol followed, stressing that only 43 out of 79 approved lifeguard positions had been filled across the district.