After a summer marked by a series of drowning incidents across Greece, a free public event in Rethymno aims to give residents and visitors the knowledge that could save lives.
To mark World Drowning Prevention Day on Saturday, July 25, the volunteer organization Save Our Planet International (SOPI) and the Hellenic Red Cross Samaritans, Rescuers and Lifeguards of Rethymno are organizing Dive Safely, an open awareness event focusing on water safety and drowning prevention.
The event will take place on Sunday, July 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., along the seafront opposite the Venetian Harbour, near the Lyceum Club of Greek Women.
Learning Skills That Save Lives
The initiative is designed for children, parents, and beachgoers of all ages, with the goal of promoting safer behavior in and around the water.
Visitors will be able to participate free of charge in a series of interactive activities, including:
- Water safety and drowning prevention guidance.
- Interactive educational games for children and families.
- Basic first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) demonstrations led by volunteers from the Hellenic Red Cross.
Organizers say that prevention remains the most effective way to reduce drowning deaths and that simple knowledge and good habits can make a critical difference in an emergency.
The event comes as Greece continues to record numerous drowning incidents during the peak tourist season, highlighting the importance of water safety education for both residents and visitors.
Participation is free and open to everyone. Additional information will be shared through Save Our Planet International’s social media channels.
