Lifeguards call on authorities to stop cutting corners after woman drowns

A 60-year-old woman drowned at Protaras beach on Friday, Cyprus’ committee of professional lifeguards said on Sunday.

In a statement, it called on authorities to re-evaluate working hours of lifeguards, saying that this wasn’t the place where corners should be cut.

“Some people need to realise that lifeguard service is not one to cut corners on, as reducing staff and working hours on our beaches does not result in saving money, but losing lives.”

The woman, a foreign national, was swimming at Flamingo beach in Protaras and was rescued from an off-duty lifeguard at 9:20am on Friday.

Lifeguards start working at 10am.

The lifeguard attempted to resuscitate her and also used a defibrillator while an ambulance was called to the scene.

In light of the woman’s death, the committee said authorities should change visiting hours depending on how much a beach is visited because there are numerous incidents near watchtowers but no lifeguards on duty to offer help.