Μake us preferred on Google Greek authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning of a 4-year-old boy in the swimming pool of a beach bar on the island of Paros, a tragedy that has left behind grief, heartbreak, and many unanswered questions.
Timeline of the Tragedy
The incident occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Saturday. The 4-year-old boy, who had traveled to Paros from Athens with his parents, reportedly wandered away from them under circumstances that remain unclear and made his way to the pool area.
Moments later, children who were in the pool began shouting after noticing that the boy was unconscious. A 44-year-old bartender at the beach bar jumped into the water and pulled the child from the pool.
The boy was transported by ambulance to the island’s Health Center, where he was pronounced dead.
“I Hurt Even More Than the Parents”
The boy’s grandfather spoke to MEGA television, visibly devastated by the loss of his grandson.
“I hurt even more than the parents. I haven’t slept all night because he was my grandson. They came here from Athens to stay for about a month so I could spend some time with my grandchildren. And now my little boy is gone, my angel is gone, our little boy is gone, and I just can’t understand why.”
Questions Over Pool Safety
At the same time, serious questions have emerged regarding the safety measures in place at the swimming pool.
According to the police investigation, the 69-year-old owner of the beach bar had been officially registered as the pool’s lifeguard. However, investigators say he was not on the premises at the time of the incident.
“There was no lifeguard. He declared himself to be the lifeguard—a 66-year-old man—and he wasn’t even there. We’re talking about a beach bar that generates millions in revenue over the summer and welcomes thousands of people every day. And instead of hiring a lifeguard, you simply declare yourself as one. To save what? A thousand euros a month that you would have paid a professional lifeguard?” the grandfather said.
Preliminary Investigation Underway
The beach bar remained closed as authorities prepared to conduct an on-site inspection to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
Following testimony before the Syros public prosecutor, both the owner and the child’s parents, aged 38 and 39, were released. The owner was released by order of the Syros Court of First Instance prosecutor pending the completion of the preliminary investigation.
According to MEGA, the 69-year-old owner has not, so far, provided certification showing that he was qualified to serve as a lifeguard.
New Findings About the Beach Bar
According to Vasilis Lambropoulos, police correspondent for the newspapers TO VIMA and TA NEA, the pool received its original construction permit in 2018. Under the applicable regulations, a follow-up inspection is required after five years. However, according to reports, the corresponding 2023 approval has not been located.
As a result, the pool is expected to undergo inspections by teams from the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) and the local urban planning authority.
Investigators are also examining the pool’s design. It features elevated sunbeds and a central footbridge, while one section exceeds two meters (6.5 feet) in depth, reducing visibility.
Authorities are also investigating the lifeguard license reportedly held by the 69-year-old owner. Under the current regulatory framework, lifeguard licenses are issued to individuals up to the age of 60, while those between 50 and 60 must renew their certification annually.
Authorities are now examining all available evidence to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy and whether any criminal or civil liability may arise.
