Greece records about 380 sea drownings each year, health agency reports

Greek health authorities state that an average of 378–380 people die annually from drowning in the country's waters, with 99% of these incidents occurring at sea. Men account for 67% of the fatalities and 81% of the victims are over 60 years old. Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, responsible for roughly 300,000 deaths each year according to the World Health Organization.

The most vulnerable groups are children under five, who represent almost a quarter of all drowning deaths and have the highest mortality rate of 10.9 per 100,000, followed by seniors over 70. Preventive recommendations from the National Public Health Organization include swimming with a companion, gradual entry and exit from water, and close supervision of children, as well as avoiding alcohol consumption and using appropriate safety equipment.

These figures highlight the ongoing public‑health challenge of water safety in Greece and the need for targeted prevention measures aimed at high‑risk age groups.