Surf lifesaving

Michael Newman, one of the lifeguards in the iconic series Baywatch, has passed away at the age of 68.

Starting tomorrow, lifeguards will no longer be present on Bulgarian beaches, marking the end of the beach season along the Black Sea. Today is the final day that concessionaires are contractually required to provide lifeguards, medical assistance, and beach toilets.

A touching story unfolded in Kamena Vourla with a dog saving a swimmer who was in danger of drowning on a beach.

With the help of the dog, in particular, a 77-year-old swimmer, who was unconscious and had drunk a lot of water, was saved from drowning.

The South Black Sea coast is currently facing a severe issue with dangerous sea conditions. As the peak of the summer season continues, Bulgarian lifeguards are reporting an increased number of accidents, with August being particularly perilous for swimmers.

Some 662 lifeguards in Istanbul have been working diligently to prevent drowning, rescuing a total of 4,008 people since the beginning of the year.

Lifeguards stationed at 51 beaches across the city's 13 districts are putting in great effort to ensure that citizens can enjoy their swimming sessions safely and cool off amid the scorching heat prevailing this summer.

Two accidents at sea occurred after holidaymakers attempted to rescue drowning tourists themselves. Lifeguards advise that if a person is seen in trouble, immediate signaling is crucial, as not everyone is prepared for the sea's hidden risks. From the beginning of the week, lifeguards on the beaches are required to be at full capacity.

Despite relatively high pay, Bulgaria faces a deepening shortage of lifeguards for the season. Nikolay Dimitrov, the beach concessionaire in Kraimorie, explained to the national radio that additional state requirements imposed by a new ordinance two months ago have contributed to the problem.

The seaside resorts of Bulgaria are facing an urgent shortage of lifeguards and medical personnel, exacerbated by new regulations mandating a higher presence of medical specialists at rescue stations. This shortage is not only causing uncertainty for hotels and restaurants along the coast but has also been a longstanding issue during the summer months in providing adequate medical staff.

The drowning of a 60-year-old tourist in Hania on Crete on Sunday has brought to the fore the need for more lifesaver cover, as the annual average of such deaths in Greece stands at 359, either while swimming or participating in recreational activities.

Two people have died after their light aircraft crashed into the sea off Maleme, in Hania, Crete.

Local media said a lifeguard retrieved the bodies of the two people from the sea and that they were both pronounced dead.

Coast guard, navy, yachts and fishing boats assisted in the rescue and operation.