On Thursday, July 25, 2024, a press conference was held by the Ministry of Health regarding the National Day of Drowning and Marine Accident Prevention in collaboration with Safe Water Sports, in the presence of the Deputy Minister to the President, Mrs. Irini Piki, and the Minister of Health, Mr. Michalis Damianos.

"The accurate information and awareness of citizens can significantly reduce accidents and drownings, ensuring safer and more enjoyable activities in the aquatic environment," noted Minister of Health Michalis Damianou in his address, emphasizing that "safety in the aquatic environment is primarily the responsibility of the state."

Safety in the aquatic environment is mainly the responsibility of the state. The Republic of Cyprus has placed the issue of drowning and marine accident prevention high on the political agenda.

To this end, the Presidency has drafted an Action Plan for Safety in the Aquatic Environment, Prevention of Drownings and Marine Accidents, coordinated by the Deputy Minister and in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders. On July 17, a joint press conference was held by the Deputy Ministry to the President and the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth, where the progress of the implementation of this Action Plan, which was approved by the Council of Ministers in February 2024, was presented.

The Action Plan includes the following actions:

Operation of the Port Police Information System
Safe Swimming Program for acquiring swimming skills for children up to 12 years old
Educational Program for Safety in the Aquatic Environment
Modernization of the legislative framework
Awareness campaign for the elderly
Public information tools (website "Safe Water Sports" & "Safe Water Sports App")
Establishment of a National Drowning Day
Accident Observatory

The Ministry of Health, considering the issue of safety in the aquatic environment of utmost priority, has immediately proceeded with the following Actions:

• Establishment of July 25 as the National Day for the Prevention of Drownings and Marine Accidents.
• An awareness campaign that includes posters and triptych informational leaflets in four languages (Greek, English, French, and German) by the Medical Services and Public Health Services (MS & PHS) of the Ministry of Health. The aim is to raise citizens' awareness of safety issues in seas/swimming pools and to prevent drownings, focusing on the elderly.
• Presentation of relevant audiovisual material, focusing on the elderly, on social media, at airports, and on radio and television stations.