The numbers are shocking. According to the Sea Accidents Observatory Report on Safe Water Sports, between 2017 and 2021, an average of 339 fatal accidents occurred annually in the seas and inland waters (lakes, rivers, etc.).

Last tragic event the death of a woman a few days ago in Sivota while skydiving. In her case, the awl for some unknown reason tore her off the towline, causing her to fall into the water.

From 339 deaths on average annually in the period 2017-2021, 227 cases were associated with drowning (67%), 32 with pathological causes (10%), 4 with death (1%), 76 with unknown causes (22%).).

58% of fatal accidents (183) were reported on beaches where there was no lifeguard on duty, 26% (81) on protected beaches during lifeguard hours and finally 16% (49) on protected beaches outside of opening hours rescuers. Consequently 74% of deaths occur on beaches not guarded by lifeguards..

Now, with regard to accidents in water sports, the five-year period 2017-2021. we had a total of 12 deaths, of which 10 men and 2 women, while there were no boating fatalities in 2021. In 2022, unfortunately, one has already been registered, in Sivota.

Also in 2021, there were recorded 6 deaths (2 drownings, 2 pathological causes and 2 unknown causes) due to boat accidents.. In the same year, the port authorities were notified of only 9 injuries in people involved in water sports and recreation – 1 jet ski, 1 speedboat, 2 paragliding, 2 towed inflatables and 3 powerboats.

Numerous Causes of Marine Accidents

OUR Panagiotis Paschalakis, has a well-informed global picture of what is happening with fatal accidents in the Greek seas. Unfortunately, this had to be learned the hard way.

In August 2014, at Kalo Livadi in Mykonos, his 10-year-old son fell out of a chimney as a wave hit him. Due to mishandling by the boat driver, a child was fatally wounded by a propeller. The company in question operated without a license…

“The number of accidents at sea remains very high, this is a reality,” states Mr. women in Sivota. First of all, it should be noted that many accidents occur in our country, but the coastline of Greece is cruel – it is 13,676 km long. Beaches and places to swim and have fun are countless. At Accident Observatory, we have created a beach registry with over 3,400 beaches registered. With regard to drownings, which account for the vast majority of deaths at sea, worries the elderly, who often overestimate their swimming abilities. Often such incidents happen in the early morning, when there are no lifeguards on the beaches.. Although the number of lifeguards is constantly increasing every year, their installation usually takes place in August. The same is true this year – many municipalities announced tenders for these positions belatedly. As a result, the beaches are practically unguarded for two summer months.“.

But what happens to the other part of the accidents that happen during water sports? we ask Mr. Paschalakis.

“Gaming activities are constantly evolving and taking on new forms, often catching up with the safety rules themselves. Let’s say here that species companies are also constantly growing. We are now talking about 929 water sports and recreation businesses, 261 diving service providers and 631 boat rental businesses.. Weather conditions play an important role in many water games and sports. In 2018, new rules set specific limits on the weather conditions (wind strength) under which they can be conducted.. Businessmen were even required to have an anemometer for accurate measurements.”

“In Sivota, the rope was cut when the burini entered the area. We do not know if the landlord took into account the weather, because the specific case is at the stage of preliminary investigation. Unfortunately, the sea parachute is giving us a bad sign.Ia. A similar accident occurred 2 years ago in Rhodes, where again, under very bad weather conditions, which the operator was aware of in this case, the rope broke, killing two brothers from the UK, 13 and 15 years old. old. There were many violations in this case, as the boat operator ignored the regulations prohibiting a triple parachute, as well as the age limit for this sport of 16 years and older. Having seen what happened again this year, we will revisit the issue and especially the training part of the operators of such boats. It is very likely that you will now have to undergo special training, as it seems that a diploma in water skiing is not enough.1. The attraction in the water is one thing, the attraction of the flying is another. Much remains to be done in this vast area. One of them also concerns speedboats, where fatal accidents also occur. The fact that the public can rent small speedboats without requiring a pilot/driving license has proven to be very problematic.”

positive changes

Summer residents now have a security tool in their hands, with which they can “check” every case.

Speaking of this, Mr. Paschalakis says: “With the app we created at Safe Water Sports, everyone can get a complete picture of whether the company they are going to trust is legally licensed to operate. If the business is not registered in the application, then it is illegal. The appendix even explains what kind of activity the business is licensed for. In 2015, when Safe Water Sports was launched, only 20% of water sports and games entrepreneurs were legally licensed. 80% worked illegally. Five years later, 2020 was the first year that 100% of businesses received legal licenses. In 2021, in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Management, our organization handed over to the port administration a tablet with special software and a register of enterprises and operators. Thus, 10,000 digital checks were carried out last year. Of course, when you consider that we are talking about almost 1000 businesses throughout Greece and about events that each time last from 5 to 7 minutes, then you understand that it is not easy to follow this gigantic situation. However, the public’s input in using the app, as well as reporting what they see up close on the beaches, is very important.”