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.