Today is World Drowning Prevention Day (video)

In Greece, 350 people die in sea waves every year. ΕΟΔΥ reminds you that no one is safe from an accident and reminds you of the basic instructions for bathers.

Accidents in the world and Greece

World Drowning Prevention Day is celebrated on July 25, announced by resolution General Assembly A/RES/75/273 in April 2021. Drowning data in Greece show that about 350 people die every year in the country. Most of them are over 60 years old (80%). As of 2022, 62% of deaths at sea occurred on beaches without a lifeguard.

The numbers were made public after it was reported that 69 drownings have occurred in Greek seas since the beginning of July this year. It is the third leading cause of unintentional injury worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths.

WHO estimates that approximately 236,000 people die from drowning each year worldwide, but this number appears to underestimate the real public health problem associated with drowning, writes CNN Greece.

Causes of death in water

What are the causes of drowning? Most often it is silent and can happen quite suddenly to anyone. The main reasons are:

1. The inability to swim, especially often this applies to children. Participation in organized swimming lessons greatly reduces the risk of drowning for everyone, especially for young children aged one to four.
2. Lack of fencing: For example, the existing pool fencing prevents small children from entering unattended.
3. Lack of Supervision/Supervision: Drowning can occur quickly and silently anywhere there is water (baths, pools, sea or river), even if there is a lifeguard on the beach.
4. Improper use of life jackets or protective equipment.
5. Alcohol use: It affects common sense and logic, balance and coordination. This risk is exacerbated by sun exposure and high temperatures.
6. History of epilepsy: These individuals may be more vulnerable while in the water.

ΕΟΔΥ recommends

The National Public Health Organization, in partnership with the non-profit organization Safe Water Sports, is urging all people to enjoy swimming safely in the sea through an awareness campaign about the basic rules of behavior in the water.

It is necessary to be aware of the danger existing in the water, to be aware of the safe behavior when swimming, to prevent the causes that can cause a tragedy. ΕΟΔΥ reports that with sensitivity and the right information, drowning incidents can be greatly reduced, and water fun can be made safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Rules for saving a drowning person – help and resuscitation:

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