This conclusion emerges from the annual study by Safe Water Sports on safety at sea and inland waters, which was presented at a special event at the Institute of Maritime History in Piraeus, within the framework of the National Day for the Prevention of Marine Accidents and Drownings.
The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, stated that in 2025 fatal accidents at sea decreased by approximately 10%, while lifeguard coverage on Greek beaches reached 97%, showing further improvement compared to the previous year.
“The positive data should not lead to complacency. On the contrary, they open a new discussion on additional interventions, both at the legislative level and at the prevention level, with the aim of saving even one human life,” the minister characteristically stated, while also commending the Hellenic Coast Guard, the municipalities, and Safe Water Sports for their contribution to strengthening prevention through more than 1,400 inspections on beaches, marine leisure businesses, and vessels.
According to the study data, a total of 376 people lost their lives in 2025 in the seas, lakes, rivers, and other inland waters of the country during recreational activities or swimming.
Of these, 357 deaths were recorded at sea, compared to 388 in 2024, while in inland waters (i.e.: rivers, lakes, swimming pools) 19 deaths occurred.
The data analysis also shows that men constitute the majority of victims, representing 67% of incidents, while 71% of victims were Greek citizens.
Specifically regarding drownings, of the 357 deaths recorded at sea in 2025, 204 were attributed to drowning, a number increased compared to 2024, when 201 deaths from drowning were recorded. Drownings currently correspond to 57% of all fatal incidents.
In 28 cases, deaths were attributed to pathological causes, while for 125 cases the forensic investigation has not yet been completed in order to determine the exact causes of death.
Safe Water Sports estimates that when all forensic reports are completed, the final number of deaths from drowning will increase.
In order for more articles from Naftemporiki to appear in your searches easily and quickly, you must add the site to your preferred sources. You can do this by going here.
