- 83 swimmers rescued on the northern beaches of Chania in just 17 days
- Lifeguards cite strong August winds and ignored safety flags
- One off-duty lifeguard saved five people in a single incident
- Saturday alone saw nine rescues on one beach
- August 2025 marks a record-breaking month for water rescues
- Lifeguards urge beachgoers to follow instructions and warnings
Red Flags and Blue Waters: A Dangerous Mix
Northern Crete has always had strong waves in August, but this year the numbers are staggering. Since the start of the month, 83 people have been pulled from the sea by lifeguards stationed along the northern coastline of Chania.
The spike in rescues coincides with the meltemia winds—seasonal gusts that stir up rough currents and create hidden risks even on seemingly calm days.
And while lifeguards continue their daily patrols, it is not always enough. Sometimes, those who are not even on duty are called into action.
“Five people were at real risk of drowning,” said a local lifeguard, “and they were saved by a colleague who happened to be on the beach, off-duty.”
That one moment, on a Saturday in mid-August, was not isolated.
“That day alone, we had nine rescues,” said Pavlos Lytinakis, head of the Ocean Lifeguard Chania school.
A Record Month for Lifeguard Towers
August 2025 is shaping up to be the most demanding in recent memory. The professional lifeguards working the towers of Chania’s most popular northern beaches have already responded to more incidents than in any previous year.
“Every August, when the meltemia start, we see a rise in rescues,” explained lifeguard Antonis Rosmarakis, stationed at Agia Marina. “We warn people, we give instructions, and usually they listen. But this year, many are choosing to ignore us.”
At a Glance – August 2025 Beach Safety Stats (Chania):
- 83 total rescues since August 1
- 9 rescues occurred in a single day (Saturday)
- 5 lives saved by an off-duty lifeguard
- Northern beaches are most affected (Agia Marina, Platanias, etc.)
- Primary causes: strong currents + ignored warnings
The Warning Still Stands
Despite the flags, the whistles, and the posted alerts, some beachgoers still walk straight into danger. This month’s numbers are not just statistics—they are close calls, near-tragedies, and lives saved by a handful of trained professionals working in exhausting conditions.
Crete’s beaches remain among the most beautiful in Europe, but beauty does not mean safety. When the sea speaks, it is better to listen.