Thursday, July 23 – Each year, what can only be described as “mentally challenged” tourists run the obvious risk of serious injury and even death by diving from the cliffs into the shallow lagoon, which in previous years has resulted in countless accidents, including serious head and spinal injuries that have required emergency hospitalisation on the mainland and eventually repatriation.

Also, it is worth taking into account that, as the lagoon is not permanently connected to the sea, the water in the lagoon is not refreshed in summer, when the weather is usually calm. Would you swim in a stagnant swimming pool where hundreds of unwashed people have swum, and even ‘relieved’ themselves? Each year, there are reports of people contracting infections after swimming in Giola!

Regarding the continuing accidents, the latest this year took place yesterday when a 29-year-old Greek man dived into the lagoon and collided with the rocky bottom, trapping his foot and breaking his leg. After receiving initial treatment on the island, he has been transferred to the mainland hospital in Kavala due to the severity of his injuries. Another holiday ruined!

Please keep in mind that in the event of an accident, Giola’s inaccessibility would severely delay emergency services, so is it really worth ruining your holiday or worse?