Tourists rescued at Ammoudara and Agios Nikolaos, increase in jellyfish sting incidents and new measures to protect swimmers on the beaches of Heraklion prefecture.

German tourist rescued by rescue swimmer on Ammoudara beach

A dramatic rescue unfolded at Ammoudara Beach, a well-loved tourist spot on Crete’s northern coast.

A 57-year-old tourist was saved after a lifeguard’s quick, gutsy action brought her back from the brink.

Ammoudara Beach is famous for its endless stretch of sand and draws crowds all year.

The rescue really drives home just how crucial lifeguards are for keeping everyone safe, locals and tourists alike.

Shortly after 13:30, a serious incident occurred in the coastal area of Amoudara when a 57-year-old tourist from Germany was found unconscious in the waters of the Almyros River.

The local lifeguard discovered the unfortunate woman and immediately intervened by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Thanks to his immediate reaction, he managed to revive her!

Once her condition had been stabilised, the 57-year-old woman was handed over to the emergency services, who immediately took her to Heraklion University Hospital (PAGNI), where she will be treated once she regains consciousness.

The rescue operation emphasises how important lifeguards are for the safety of everyone, both locals and tourists.

Source: NeaKriti

Second Rescue of a Tourist Within Minutes in Crete: Lifeguard Saved 62-Year-Old Woman in Agios Nikolaos

Within an hour, there were two separate rescues on Crete’s beaches—if that’s not proof that lifeguards matter, I don’t know what is.

The second rescue happened at Agios Nikolaos, where a 62-year-old French woman got caught up in some rough currents.

She was swimming when powerful winds and currents swept her over 30 metres from shore.

She started showing signs of exhaustion and called out for help.

Lifeguard Stavros Zarzanidis didn’t hesitate—he was in the water and by her side in no time.

She’d swallowed quite a bit of water, but thanks to fast first aid, she was stabilised.

The lifeguard’s quick thinking probably saved her life.

Lifeguards in Agios Nikolaos and Ammoudara keep showing just how essential their job is—especially on busy beaches with unpredictable waters.

Visitors really should pay attention to local conditions and warnings—it’s not just a suggestion, it’s for your own safety.

Quelle: NeaKriti

Increase in incidents involving jellyfish stings

Lately, there’s been a spike in sea anemone stings reported along the coast. You might spot these creatures—order Actiniaria, subclass Hexacorallia—clinging to rocks in the shallows.

They look almost like underwater flowers, which is pretty misleading. Brush up against their tentacles, though, and you’ll quickly find out they’re not as gentle as they appear.

Characteristics of Sea Anemones

So, what exactly are sea anemones? They’re part of the class Anthozoa, closely related to corals and jellyfish in the big Cnidaria family.

Those tentacles? Packed with specialized stinging cells, ready to inject venom if disturbed. Most of these creatures keep to themselves, anchored to rocks, shells, or just buried in the sand.

Their colors are all over the place: bright reds, browns, greens, oranges—sometimes you’ll even spot blue or yellow spots. Honestly, they’re kind of mesmerizing to look at.

Symptoms of Sea Anemone Stings

The sting itself? Not fun. The skin reacts fast, and you might notice:

• Burning sensation (κάψιμο)
• Itching (φαγούρα)
• Red rashes or exanthema
• Swelling and sometimes blistering

Every once in a while, someone gets an allergic reaction, which can make things a lot worse. If that happens, don’t wait around—get help.

Recent Incident Reports

There’ve been at least five new cases lately, all needing medical attention. Corticosteroid ointments were used to help with inflammation.

Victims included adults and even a 10-year-old boy who got stung several times, including on his face. Most of these stings happened on rocky beaches, but sandy spots like Vlitē weren’t spared either.

Safety and Prevention

• Don’t touch sea anemones, especially around rocks or in shallow water.
• Be extra careful when swimming near or scrambling over rocks.
• Water shoes might not be fashionable, but they help keep stings at bay.
• If you do get stung, rinse with seawater (never fresh), and if things get worse, go see a doctor.

Key Facts

• Sea anemones belong to the family Actiniidae, which is actually the largest group in the order Actiniaria.
• They’re cnidarians, and have these stinging cells called nematocysts.
• You’ll mostly spot them in coastal, shallow waters, clinging to rocks.
• Some also hang out in sandy or muddy seabeds, though.
• Their stings? Those can range from mild to pretty nasty, depending on the species.
• Symptoms are usually things like itching, burning, a red rash, and sometimes allergic reactions if you’re unlucky.
• Treating them often means reaching for corticosteroid creams or other anti-inflammatory meds.

Honestly, with sting incidents on the rise, it’s worth being a bit more careful near rocky seabeds. Maybe don’t forget that sea anemones are out there, and they’re not just pretty to look at.

Source: Creta24

New measures to protect bathers on the beaches

Areas affected in the prefecture of Heraklion and bans until autumn.

The Central Port Authority of Heraklion just rolled out new safety rules for the summer.

They’re hoping to cut down on accidents and keep things orderly on Crete’s busiest beaches.

Affected Areas

Here’s where the main bans are in effect:

Main Prohibitions

• Fishing Ban: No fishing—professional or amateur—within 100 metres of the floating buoys that mark swimming zones.

• Distance without Buoys: If there aren’t any buoys, fishing’s banned within 200 metres of where people usually swim.

• Fishing Hours: The ban runs daily from sunrise to sunset, sticking around until October 15, 2025.

• Anchoring and Mooring:

  • No boats, day cruise ships, jet skis, or similar craft can anchor or moor within 100 metres of the buoys.
  • This rule’s in place until September 30, 2025.

Responsibilities and Enforcement

• Coastal municipalities have to set up and look after the safety buoys in their area.
• If you break these rules, you could face fines, business closures, or other legal headaches—depends how far you push your luck.

Summary of Key Points

These new rules are supposed to make things safer for swimmers and help everyone get along on the coast.

Just a heads-up—if you’re heading to the beach, it’s worth following them. No one wants their holiday interrupted by a fine.

Source: NeaKriti

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps taken by rescue teams in shore emergencies?

1. Assessment: Rescue teams quickly check out the scene and figure out how the victim’s doing.
2. Immediate rescue: Lifeguards grab flotation devices or boats to reach and bring the person ashore.
3. First aid: They jump right into first aid—sometimes CPR, if it’s needed.
4. Call for backup: If things look serious, they get emergency medical services involved.
5. Transport: The victim might be taken to the hospital for more treatment, just in case.

How can tourists ensure their safety while visiting coastal areas?

• Stick to swimming in areas with lifeguards on watch.
• Actually pay attention to beach rules and the warning flags.
• Don’t swim alone, and maybe skip the booze before diving in.
• Keep an eye on the weather and tides—they can change fast.
• Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water, especially in the heat.

What emergency services are available at Ammoudara beach?

Ammoudara beach has lifeguard patrols during the tourist season.

Emergency medical aid stations are close by, and local authorities coordinate with ambulance services. First aid kits are available at public facilities if you need them.

What should you do if you witness a beach accident involving a swimmer?

• Alert lifeguards right away or, if you can’t spot one, call emergency services fast.
• Unless you actually know rescue techniques, it’s best not to jump in yourself.
• When help arrives, give them specific directions to the scene—don’t just point vaguely.
• Try to keep other onlookers from crowding the area or panicking; the last thing anyone needs is more chaos.

How do local authorities ensure public safety at popular tourist beaches?

Local authorities put a bunch of things in place, like:

• Regular lifeguard patrols keep an eye on swimmers, even when the beach is packed.
• You’ll usually see plenty of signs warning about currents, rocks, or other hazards.
• Water quality gets monitored—nobody wants a surprise rash after a dip.
• There are also public awareness campaigns about beach safety, which honestly, more people should probably pay attention to.

What kind of first aid is crucial for near-drowning victims?

• CPR: If they’re not breathing, start with rescue breaths and chest compressions. It’s honestly the most urgent thing you can do.
• Airway management: Make sure the airway’s clear—get rid of any water or debris that might be in the way.
• Keep warm: Wrap them up in a blanket. Hypothermia sneaks up fast, even if the water didn’t seem that cold.
• Seek medical help: Always get them to a hospital, no matter how much better they look. It’s not worth the risk to wait it out.

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