An important step towards strengthening professional training and the quality of safety services on Cypriot beaches is the agreement reached on Tuesday, February 10, between the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Vocational Training Center for the use of "Makronisos" beach as a Lifeguard Professional Qualifications Assessment Center.
The agreement was signed by the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, the General Organizer of the Greek Workers' Union, Mr. Panikos Argyrides, and the Secretary General of the Federation of Government, Military and Public Service Employees of Cyprus (OEKDY) Greek Workers' Union, Mr. George Konstantinou.
The agreement provides the necessary permission for the use of Makronissos beach for the purpose of conducting assessments of the professional qualifications of lifeguards, based on the approved professional standard of the Human Resources Development Authority (HRDA), which is a prerequisite for practicing the profession.
In his statements, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, emphasized that
"The agreement demonstrates in practice the will of the Municipality of Ayia Napa to support initiatives that enhance professional competence and safety on our beaches."
"Makonisos beach," he said, "a place of high traffic and natural beauty, acquires an additional essential role, contributing to the upgrading of the lifeguard institution."
He also added that the Municipality will continue to collaborate with competent bodies and organizations, with the aim of ensuring high standards of quality, safety and professionalism, for the benefit of both employees and bathers.
For their part, Messrs. Argyrides and Konstantinou thanked the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, for his positive response and the support he provides in the efforts to enhance safety on the beaches. At the same time, they expressed their expectation for the continuation of the good cooperation with the Municipality of Ayia Napa and in particular with the Mayor, with the aim of the best possible implementation of safety rules, the protection of bathers and the facilitation of the important work of lifeguards.
