Tag Archives: Crete drownings

Extra care needed when swimming

On an August weekend when the meltemi is blowing it is not unusual for four or five deaths by drownings to take place around the coasts of Crete. They may be of not-so-young locals who have overestimated their capacities, or visitors who unwisely go swimming after a heavy lunch, or who choose to ignore red-flag warnings on supervised beaches. Seemingly safe-looking beaches can harbour hidden dangers from currents and undertows, which can carry people away or make it difficult for them to get out of the water.

After a couple of recent incidents, one of which ended in drowning and one which fortunately did not, the Chania Coastguard has issued some advice to swimmers, which was reported a week ago by the Haniotika Nea:

Coastguard issues a warning to beach users
The Central Coastguard of Chania has issued a warning to bathers and visitors to strictly observe seaside safety measures, following incidents of citizens being put at risk or trapped by heavy waves, strong winds and local sea currents. A man got into difficulties at Koum Kapi on Friday (31st July), while a tourist was drowned in Heraklion.

A newspaper headline reads "British tourist, 17, dies after diving into water at red flagged beach".
    In June, The Sun reported the death of a British teenager who had gone swimming off a beach in Chania despite red flag warnings. Photo: Thesun.co.uk

The Coastguard reminds beach users that a red flag signifies immediate and severe danger and therefore entry into the sea is forbidden. A yellow flag means that there are dangerous conditions and bathers should exercise increased care and obey the instructions of lifeguards.

If a bather is carried away by a strong current, they should not try to swim against it as they can quickly become exhausted. They are advised to keep a cool head and keep swimming parallel to the shore, until they leave the area of the current and can then aim for dry land.

The Coastguard warns that inflatable mattresses, floating toys and stand-up paddle boards (SUP) should not be used when the wind is offshore, as there is an immediate risk of being carried away. Special attention is also needed in the supervision of children and people with limited swimming capacity, who should be continually under the eye of their companions.

In the event of someone being in danger, citizens should immediately inform the Coastguard by phoning 108 or the European emergency number 112. At the same time, improvised rescue attempts without suitable equipment should be avoided, as they may put other people at risk.

People congregate in the water at a beach backed by a rocky headland.
There have been no reported drownings at Afrata beach, although it is unsupervised and has no red flag system. It is generally safe so long as one stays within the bay, and the older locals who regularly swim from the beach mostly do not go in when there are waves of any size.

A 45-year-old in difficulties
On Thursday 30th July a 45-year-old Greek man got into difficulties while swimming at Koum Kapi beach in Chania. Following an alert to the Coastguard, a land patrol was dispatched to the spot, while a privately-owned boat with a Coastguard officer on board was able to locate the swimmer and transport him safely to the Venetian Harbour in Chania. The 45-year-old said that he was OK and did not want to be taken to hospital.

A death at Malia
There was a tragic end to the search for a 20-year-old Italian tourist who was missing on the afternoon of Wednesday 29th July in the sea area of Malia, in Heraklion. Local media reported that the young man was found dead on Friday morning when his body was washed ashore at the point were he had gone swimming. The Coastguard was informed of the incident by the Police.
(Haniotika Nea, 01/08/26)