On the occasion of the National Day for Prevention of Marine Accidents and Drownings (May 11), the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Safe Water Sports, organized a special event focusing on water safety. 

At the annual event on water safety, data from the Observatory of accidents was presented, highlighting statistics on drownings and injuries in Greece. Additionally, a new awareness campaign was introduced, specifically targeting elderly individuals and their safety in aquatic environments.

Attending the event were the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr. Vassilis Kikilias, the Secretary General for Shipping and Ports, Mr. Evangelos Kyriacopoulos, the Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Vice Admiral LS Tryfon Kontizas, the President of the Non-Profit Organization Safe Water Sports, Mr. Panagiotis Paschalakis, the President of the Hellenic Lifesaving Schools Association (ESNE), Mr. Marios Myronakis, along with senior officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard.

The Minister, Mr. Kikilias, emphasized the State’s commitment to strengthening, supporting, and modernizing all efforts aimed at protecting human life at sea. He highlighted the importance of prevention and inter-agency cooperation, stating:

"We love the sea, we respect the sea, and we should all enjoy it—regardless of age—but always with full awareness that it demands respect and caution. Our focus must first and foremost be on our younger generations—our children, our schools—where this culture of education, awareness, and care can be most effectively cultivated. We are committed to supporting this effort in the best possible way."

Mr. Paschalakis, President of Safe Water Sports, presented the Information System developed and offered free of charge by the organization to the Hellenic Coast Guard, through which local port authorities now electronically manage licenses for watersports and recreational boating businesses, as well as inspections, sea patrols, violations, and more. He also presented the updated Accident Observatory, showcasing fatal incidents in aquatic environments (sea and inland waters) for 2024.
He notably stated:

"Unfortunately, the most vulnerable demographic in terms of drownings are individuals over 60 years of age. In fact, 83% of all drowning victims fall into this age group, and 64% of them are Greek nationals. Our goal is that, by 2030, swimming lessons will be part of the curriculum in all schools, so that no more lives are lost. Prevention saves lives."

Vice Admiral Tryfon Kontizas, Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, underscored the critical role of prevention and awareness in safeguarding lives at sea. He emphasized the close collaboration between the Coast Guard and Safe Water Sports through the use of digital tools and educational programs.

Finally, Mr. Marios Myronakis, President of ESNE, stressed the need for timely hiring of lifeguards and proposed institutional improvements. He highlighted the contribution of modern equipment to thousands of rescues and the reduction of fatal incidents.

Key statistics presented:

In the sea (2024):

• 388 fatal incidents were recorded, i.e., 10 fewer than in 2023
• 0 fatal incidents involving rented recreational equipment
• 2 child fatalities
• 8 in 10 people who lose their lives at sea die by drowning
• 83% of drowning victims are over 60 years old
• 64% of victims are Greek nationals
• 66% of fatal incidents occurred on beaches without a lifeguard
• 87% of fatal incidents occurred on beaches listed in the National Beach Registry
• 93% of beaches had lifeguard coverage in 2024

In inland waters:

• For the period 2020–2024, an average of 4 people per year lost their lives during recreational activities
• 56% of fatal incidents in inland waters occurred in hotel swimming pools

Click here to read the full Accident Observatory Report for aquatic environments (2020–2024).
Click here to watch the awareness video campaign for elderly individuals.