As the summer season reaches its peak, the “IPPOKAMPOS” Open Water Swimmers of Rhodes wishes to express its deep concern and unease regarding the current situation at one of our island’s most iconic beaches, the Aquarium Beach.
As people who spend time in the sea year-round, we cannot remain indifferent to the degradation of this public space and the disregard for safety regulations. With a sense of responsibility toward the public and the natural environment, we bring the following serious issues to the attention of the relevant authorities:
1. Overcrowding of beach umbrellas and compliance with the law.
On Enidreio Beach, there is an excessive concentration of beach umbrellas and lounge chairs, to the extent that the character of the shoreline is altered and the free public space is significantly restricted.
Of particular concern is the fact that many lounge chairs are placed in a spot where the waves literally reach them, a fact that raises legitimate questions regarding adherence to the prescribed distances from the shoreline and compliance with the applicable legal framework.
Our Association will take every legal and institutionally prescribed action to ensure that the law is upheld.
Our message is clear. Citizens’ free access to beaches is an inalienable and constitutionally guaranteed right. This right has no time restrictions nor can it depend on the time of day. The beach belongs to everyone, at all hours. It is particularly concerning that there have been reports of incidents in which our fellow citizens were prevented from accessing the beach during the evening hours.
2. Immediate danger to the safety of swimmers at the “Myti” section of the Aquarium.
We draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the serious danger faced daily by swimmers at the well-known “Mytis” area of the Aquarium, a spot where particularly strong and dangerous ocean currents form.
The existing lifeguard tower is located at a considerable distance, and there is no direct line of sight to this specific spot, which hinders immediate intervention in case of an emergency.
We request an immediate review of the location of the lifeguard stations, and the installation of a warning sign informing swimmers of the presence of strong ocean currents.
Prevention saves lives, and we must not wait for an unfortunate incident to occur.
3. Cleanliness and protection of the marine environment.
Failure to collect trash promptly results, especially when strong winds are blowing, in trash being scattered and eventually ending up in the sea.
At the same time, the thousands of cigarette butts left in the sand are a serious source of pollution. Carried by the sea, they end up in the marine ecosystem, burdening the environment and endangering marine life and the quality of the waters where residents and visitors swim every day.
The “IPPOKAMPOS” Athletic Club makes it clear that it will not remain indifferent to issues concerning safety, environmental protection, and free access to beaches.
We stand firmly alongside all beachgoers—both in winter and summer—who are demanding what should go without saying: to enjoy the seas of Rhodes safely, in a clean environment, and with free, unimpeded access.
We call on all relevant authorities to take immediate action to restore legality, order, cleanliness, and safety at Enidreio Beach.
