Greece launches nationwide campaign to curb summer drownings

Each summer, around 360 people die in Greece’s seas, pools, lakes and rivers, with people over 60 accounting for about 80% of the fatalities. According to the Safe Water Sports association, the average number of drowning deaths in the last five years has been 373 per year. A recent decline of 31 deaths compared with 2024 is attributed partly to increased public awareness, though officials warn against complacency.

An analysis shows that 64% of fatal incidents occurred on beaches without lifeguard patrols, while half of the drownings in inland waters happened in hotel swimming pools. Globally, at least 3 million people have drowned in the past decade, with 300 000 deaths recorded in 2021 alone; roughly 30 people die from drowning every hour worldwide.

The Greek Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and Safe Water Sports, is rolling out an SMS and email alert system to warn citizens of water hazards. The campaign also advises older swimmers to avoid peak midday hours, enter the water gradually, never swim alone, keep a flotation device nearby, and seek medical advice if they have chronic conditions.