Greece launches water safety campaign following high drowning rates

The Greek Ministry of Health has launched a safety campaign to prevent drowning, following statistics showing an average of 387 fatal sea accidents annually in Greece between 2021 and 2025. A significant portion of these fatalities involves elderly citizens, with an average of 240 deaths per year occurring among individuals over the age of 60. Last year, 284 people in this age group lost their lives.

The campaign, titled "Safe Sea for people 60+," is implemented by Safe Water Sports with support from the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Organization (EODY), and IDIKA. Key safety recommendations include:

- Never swimming without accompaniment. - Avoiding swimming too far or perpendicular to the shore. - Avoiding sudden entry into the water. - Not swimming to the point of exhaustion.

The Ministry specifically advises elderly citizens with chronic health conditions or those on medication to consult a doctor before swimming. Additionally, drowning remains the second leading cause of accidental death for children aged 0 to 14. On a broader scale, approximately 50,000 Europeans are injured annually through water sports or maritime activities.