ATHENS, GREECE – July 25, 2025 – On World Drowning Prevention Day, Greek and international organizations are raising awareness about a silent but deadly global epidemic: drowning.
Each year, over 1.2 million people around the world lose their lives to drowning, according to the International Life Saving Federation, that’s one life lost every 30 seconds.
Greece Among Europe’s Most Affected
Greece ranks 5th in fatal drownings among EU countries and 39th globally, with most incidents happening on unguarded beaches or after lifeguard services have ended.
Experts emphasize that drowning is quick and quiet, victims rarely call for help, and most incidents occur in under 60 seconds, particularly among children. In Greece, 55% of drownings happen within 3 meters of the shoreline, where the depth just barely exceeds human height.
7 Critical Water Safety Rules
All swimmers and families are strongly encouraged to follow these key safety guidelines:
- Always supervise children near water
- Swim parallel to the shore, not away from it
- Wait at least 3 hours after eating before swimming
- Avoid alcohol before or during swimming
- Do not overestimate your abilities in the water
- Obey lifeguard instructions and posted signs
- Learn swimming, first aid, and lifesaving techniques
What the Data Tells Us
- 74% of drownings occur where help is unavailable, either on unguarded beaches (65%) or after lifeguards have left (9%)
- 90% of drownings occur within 10 meters of shore
- Alcohol is a key contributing factor in many fatal incidents
- Parental distraction and internal thoughts reduce awareness, even for trained lifeguards
International Lifesaving Community Speaks Out
To mark this important global awareness day, the following organizations collaborated on a joint call to action:
- Hellenic Athletic Lifesaving Union
- International Life Saving Federation (ILSF)
- International Swimming Hall of Fame
- Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation
- International Federation of Swimming Teachers’ Associations
- Association of Greek Olympians
- School of Physical Education & Sports Science, University of Athens
These organizations remind us that drowning is preventable, and that each of us has a role to play in creating safer aquatic environments.
Source: Adapted and translated from SportLifeSaving.blogspot.com, with data contributions from international lifesaving and Greek public safety organizations.
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