Cyprus records about 30 drownings per year, a number the government aims to bring down to zero through an action plan drafted in cooperation with Greek NGO Safe Water Sports.

Data indicated that more than half of annual drownings were men, who appeared to overestimate their abilities.

The health ministry hosted an event on Thursday to mark the national day for the prevention of drowning and marine accidents.

Health Minister Michael Damianos said of the average 30 drownings annually, most of them people over 60.

“Safety in the aquatic environment is a responsibility that lies first and foremost with the state,” he said.

Damianos said that according to the WHO, 236,000 drownings were recorded every year around the world.

Data presented at the event indicated that in Cyprus there were 436 drownings from 2004 to 2022, of which 302 were men and 134 women.

Safe Water Sports representative Eliza Karabetian-Nikotian said more men drowned than women because men tended to overestimate their abilities.

Referring to the action plan, Karabetian-Nikotian said an observatory would be collecting and analysing data concerning professionals, water sports businesses, fines issued and rescues.

The data system would be managed by Safe Water Sports and the justice ministry with an aim to generate better statistical data and conclusions on accidents, injuries and drownings in the aquatic environment.

All data will be presented next year on July 25, the national day for the prevention of drowning.

The public is urged to download the Safe Water Sports app, which is available free in Greek and English, providing information and a platform to report complaints.

Undersecretary to the President Irene Piki said the action plan was a joint effort and was ratified by the cabinet in February.

Piki said bills have been tabled at the House or are at the stage of legal examination for the operation of swimming pools, recreational vessels and scuba diving.

Actions have already been organised, including the participation of 250 children in a safe swimming programme, awareness posters in Greek, English, French and German and various media spots and posts.