Ministry of Health: The 4 golden rules for safe dives – 284 deaths from drowning in one year

The Greek Ministry of Health is launching a public awareness campaign to promote water safety and prevent drowning incidents, particularly targeting older adults. Last year, 284 individuals over the age of 60 succumbed to drowning, highlighting a critical public health concern.

Across Greece, an average of 387 fatal accidents occur in the seas annually between 2021 and 2025. Drowning is also identified as the second leading cause of accidental death for children between infancy and 14 years old. Furthermore, approximately 50,000 European citizens suffer injuries each year from water sports or boating activities.

The campaign outlines four essential safety rules for swimmers: never swim alone, do not venture too far from the shore, avoid sudden entry into the water, and do not swim until exhausted. These simple yet crucial guidelines aim to significantly reduce the risk of fatal incidents.

Special emphasis is placed on advising elderly individuals to consult their doctors before swimming, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or are on medication. This initiative is part of the broader 'Safe Water for 60+' campaign, supported by the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Organization (EODY), and the Hellenic National Electronic Government Agency (e-Gov).