Kineta: 53-year-old swimmer dies

A 53-year-old man lost his life on a beach in Kineta, in the Municipality of Megara. The man was pulled unconscious from the sea on the morning of Wednesday, August 12 and was taken by EKAV ambulance to the Megara Health Center, where he was pronounced dead. This is the third death of a swimmer recorded on beaches in Western Attica within a few days. The 1st Port Authority Department of Agioi Theodoroi is conducting a preliminary inquiry into the circumstances. According to reports, he was a foreign national, and an autopsy and post-mortem examination were ordered.

The incident follows two similar ones that had occurred the previous day. On Tuesday, August 11, a 75-year-old woman was pulled unconscious from the sea at Elefsina beach and was pronounced dead at “Thriasio” hospital. The same afternoon, a 90-year-old man lost his life on Varea beach in Megara, despite resuscitation efforts by the lifeguard. All three incidents concern the same geographic stretch. Their recurrence within such a short span has caused concern.

The Municipality of Megara had announced nine lifeguard positions to cover the needs of its beaches. The issue of lifeguard coverage returns every summer in coastal municipalities. Legislation sets out which beaches are classified as busy and therefore required to have lifeguard coverage. Staffing the positions nonetheless faces difficulties, both due to cost and to the availability of certified personnel. Many beaches remain without supervision.

According to data from the Observatory of Accidents in Seas and Pools, 168 drowning deaths have been recorded in the country so far this year. Of these, 118 involve Greeks and 50 foreign nationals. A decrease is recorded compared to the same period last year. The overwhelming majority of victims belong to older age groups. The Ministry of Health has issued a special message to citizens over 60 about safe swimming.

Health authorities recommend avoiding swimming during midday hours with high temperatures. They also recommend entering the water gradually and avoiding swimming unaccompanied, especially for people with a history of heart conditions. Choosing beaches with organized lifeguard coverage is considered an important safety factor. In a large proportion of cases, the forensic examination concludes that a cardiac episode preceded the aspiration of water. This distinction matters for understanding the phenomenon.

The beaches of Western Attica draw large numbers of swimmers during the summer months, as they are the closest destination for residents of the western part of the Attica basin. Kineta lies on the border of Attica and Corinthia, in an area that has also repeatedly suffered from wildfires. The two previous incidents are described in the report on the two swimmers who died within hours. Port authorities conduct a preliminary inquiry in every case. Findings are not usually made public.

Attica Today will publish further details as they are provided by the competent authorities. More from Western Attica on the Western Attica page. Swimmers are urged to follow lifeguards’ instructions where available. Swimming during hours with strong winds carries additional risks. The coming days are marked by north winds of up to 8 Beaufort.