Nicosia: Thirty-three individuals lost their lives in aquatic environments in Cyprus in 2025, as highlighted in figures released ahead of the National Day for the Prevention of Drownings and Marine Accidents, observed on July 25. The global statistics indicate that drowning claims approximately 300,000 lives annually.
According to Cyprus News Agency, at a press conference held at the Ministry of Health, Safe Water Sports representative Eliza Karabetian reported that 28 of the deaths in Cyprus occurred at sea, while five took place in inland waters. Among the victims, 73% were men, and 61% were non-Cypriot nationals, with fifteen individuals aged over 70. The data also revealed that 36% of the incidents happened between 20:00 and 08:00. The Famagusta district, under government control, accounted for ten of the sea deaths, followed by Limassol with nine, Larnaca with six, Paphos with two, and one in Nicosia.
Karabetian emphasized that drowning is a significant global public health issue, with around 75,000 of the annual drowning victims worldwide being children under the age of five. Safe Water Sports aims to combat these tragedies through public awareness and education initiatives.
Government representatives stressed that drowning prevention is a critical component of Cyprus' National Action Plan for Safety in the Aquatic Environment, approved by the Cabinet in February 2024. Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki noted that data from the Health Ministry's Health Monitoring Unit indicated that 533 individuals had drowned in Cyprus over the past 21 years, with an average of 29 deaths annually over the past decade. Tourists and non-permanent residents comprised 51% of the incidents.
Piki also outlined the government's safe-swimming programme for children up to the age of 12, which includes eight practical water lessons incorporated into the school curriculum and offered free of charge. The programme's third phase is currently underway and expected to conclude in November 2026, benefiting approximately 1,200 children. Over 2,000 third-year primary school pupils have participated since its inception in April 2024.
Further plans include the potential development of an Ocean Lab, an interactive educational facility aimed at teaching children safe water practices. Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides underscored the importance of drowning prevention as part of public health policy, urging the public to supervise children, adhere to lifeguard instructions, and avoid swimming in hazardous conditions.
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou emphasized swimming as an essential survival skill, announcing plans to gradually extend the successful pilot programme to all districts and eventually to all schools across Cyprus.