The Greek National Public Health Organisation has issued a series of guidelines aimed at reducing the number of drownings at Greece’s beaches, advising people with children to be vigilant at all times and to opt for beaches that have a lifeguard service (usually ‘Blue Flag’ beaches).

It advises swimming parallel to the coastline, allowing ample time for digestion after meals before going into the water, and avoiding unnecessary risks like diving headfirst into unknown waters, or consuming alcohol before going for a swim.

An average of some 400 people drown in Greece’s seas every year!