Doctors Call for Urgent Measures to Ensure Safety at Beaches and Pools

The Turkish Cypriot Medical Association (KTTB) has raised serious concerns about hygiene and safety issues at beaches and swimming pools. Medical professionals are urging the authorities to take immediate action to protect public health.

As the summer months approach, the use of the sea and pools has increased, but significant shortcomings have been observed at bathing areas.

The statement emphasizes that the risk of microbiological and chemical contamination in seawater and pool water is higher during the summer. Pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, norovirus, and enterovirus can lead to gastrointestinal infections, while parasites and giardia can cause fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

Moreover, chemical pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides in the water can result in long-term health issues, including the development of cancer.

"We strongly urge the authorities to take action on this critical public health issue. The Ministry of Health must conduct regular water tests for both seawater and pool water throughout the summer season of 2025. These tests should be carried out by accredited laboratories in accordance with international standards, and the results must be made publicly available," the union’s statement read.

To safeguard public health, the union has proposed the following urgent measures:

• A qualified lifeguard must be on duty full-time at every beach.

• Regular microbiological and chemical testing of seawater and pool water should be conducted, with the results publicly displayed at the beaches.

• The "Blue Flag" criteria should be adopted as the minimum standard for all beaches.

• A risk assessment should be conducted at each beach before the start of the season. Incompetent individuals should not be granted licenses to provide services.

• Regular checks on environmental cleanliness, waste management, and infrastructure should be carried out, and sanitary conditions at beaches need to be improved.

• The results of water tests at public pools should be published immediately.

The statement warns that "the first drowning incident will likely serve as a painful reminder of the failure to implement necessary safety measures at beaches this year." It is important to note that in 2024, 14 people drowned at sea in Cyprus.