Opposition calls for ambulance presence on Gümülcine’s beaches after drowning incident

The issue of ensuring ambulance coverage on the beaches of Gümülcine during the summer season was raised during a recent accountability session of the municipal council. The proposal came from municipal councilor and doctor Bulent Kamiloglu, following the recent tragic drowning of a young girl at Imeros beach.

Kamiloglu noted that last summer, at Sarıyer (Arogi) beach, he personally witnessed three drowning incidents. In one case, the ambulance arrived 45 minutes late, underscoring the urgent need for stronger safety measures. He asked the council about lifeguard checks, their positioning, and whether there is any plan for the permanent presence of an ambulance at the municipality’s beaches.

Mayor Yiannis Garanis responded that for the past decade, the municipality has arranged lifeguard coverage at the start of each year, in line with legal requirements. The municipality is responsible for Sarıyer (Arogi) and Meşe (Mesi) beaches, while ETAD oversees Fener (Fanari) beach. Lifeguards are equipped according to the law, and the Coast Guard inspects compliance twice a week. Coverage costs the municipality around €200,000 annually, a figure expected to rise as more of Meşe (Mesi) beach is classified as “high-traffic.”

Regarding lifeguard placement, Garanis stressed that tower distances are set by law. On the ambulance issue, he explained that responsibility lies with EKAV, which is already struggling to reinforce its fleet with staff.

Opposition leader Antonis Gravanis argued that the municipality should ensure lifeguards are fully equipped and suggested renting a private ambulance during peak tourist season. Garanis acknowledged past difficulties with such arrangements but pledged to explore whether this option is now feasible.

Source: Paratiritis News