Chania’s lifeguard coverage remains a concern this year, as the state has only taken on 50% of the cost. Municipalities are seeking assistance with extended working hours and financial support.
The beach guards on Crete will begin their duties on June 1st, with funding provided by the municipalities. However, even with a slight increase, the state’s contribution will only be limited to 50%, and unfortunately, the request for extended coverage hours by the lifeguards has been rejected. The municipality of Platanias in Chania, responsible for 18 beaches, has dedicated a significant amount of funds, over €600,000, towards ensuring the safety of beachgoers. However, the reimbursements from collections remain uncertain, as reported by Neakriti (full coverage in Greek).
Amidst uncertainty, the upcoming lifeguard season is just around the corner. The Land Service has assigned its personnel and many municipalities have already posted lifeguard job openings to ensure their beaches’ safety.
Cretan municipalities focus on organising beaches. This year, the central government approved credit for coverage, with varying amounts allocated to each municipality, but it is still insufficient to cover the exorbitant costs. According to Yiannis Malandrakis, the mayor of Platanias, the grant received this year is still less than 50% of the total competition budget available despite the increase.
Many municipalities have already announced tenders to staff lifeguard towers using their resources, ensuring that lifeguards are in position by June 1st. The municipality of Platanias alone has allocated approximately €600,000 from its funds for 18 towers. The request for another summer involves extending working hours and lifeguard season. “During the summer, we have a set schedule for bath time, which usually falls around 7 or 8 p.m. and early morning.” The mayor of Platanias suggests that the working hours should be increased to 12 hours per shift and the duration of their contracts for the new tourist season extended by one month. However, the municipalities are unable to bear this cost.
The mayor emphasised uncertainty surrounding the performance of the percentage of collections attributed to the municipalities, as it is not guaranteed through public financial services. There is a potential risk of withholding or offsetting against entrepreneurs’ debts. “The Land Service, which is organising the tender for the first time this year, will pay us 60% of the rent as required by the law. The remaining 40% is retained by the Land Service and then paid to us directly. However, the relevant tax office handles the actual collection of the rent,” explained Malandrakis to Neakriti, expressing concerns about the overall decline and lack of trust in self-government.
