Drowning deaths in Cyprus have prompted a renewed safety push, with 33 individuals reported to have drowned in 2025 alone. This alarming statistic was revealed by the health ministry, coinciding with World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Drowning deaths: Staggering Statistics Spark Concern
Of the victims, a significant 73 per cent were men, and 61 per cent were foreign nationals. The data highlights a concerning trend, particularly among the elderly, with 15 individuals aged over 70 among the deceased. Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki noted that over the past 21 years, Cyprus has experienced a total of 533 drowning deaths, averaging 29 fatalities annually over the last decade.
Timing and Location of Incidents
Insights from Safe Water Sports marketing and public relations manager Eliza Karabetian revealed that 36 per cent of drowning incidents occurred between 8pm and 8am. The region of Famagusta recorded the highest number of drowning fatalities, with ten deaths, followed by Limassol with nine, Larnaca with six, Paphos with two, and Nicosia with one.
Global Context and Local Impact
The health ministry emphasised that drowning remains a serious global health issue, with approximately 300,000 deaths reported worldwide each year. Notably, 75,000 of these are children under five years old. In Cyprus, the statistics are similarly troubling, with half of the drowning victims being aged 65 and above, and drowning consistently ranking among the leading causes of death for children and teenagers.
A Call for Preventative Measures
Piki expressed her deep concern, stating, “Every life lost in the water is a loss that could have been avoided.” She highlighted that 51 per cent of drowning incidents involved tourists and non-permanent residents, underscoring the importance of effective prevention strategies. The government’s national action plan, approved in 2024, aims to combat this crisis through various initiatives, including education and legislative changes.
Focusing on Education and Safety
Efforts to address the issue include a safe swimming programme for children up to 12 years old, which integrates eight practical lessons into the school curriculum. Piki emphasised the significance of instilling a proper culture around water safety from a young age, saying, “We consciously focus on our children and our schools, where we can cultivate from an early age a proper culture, attitudes and behaviour.”
Government Officials Advocate for Awareness
Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides reiterated that drowning prevention is a public health priority, cautioning that familiarity with the sea should not lead to complacency. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou echoed this sentiment, advocating for swimming to be recognised as a vital survival skill rather than merely a recreational activity. The government aims to expand the swimming programme across schools nationwide, further promoting water safety education.
The rising number of drowning incidents in Cyprus has ignited a crucial conversation about water safety and the need for preventive measures. As authorities work to implement educational initiatives and raise awareness, the hope is to prevent further tragedies in the future.
