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Books by Stathis Avramidis

This book has been edited by Stathis Avramidis and co-authored from 144 experts from 22 countries... more This book has been edited by Stathis Avramidis and co-authored from 144 experts from 22 countries. It contains articles on safety and lifesaving in human activities taking part on land, in the air and in the aquatic environment.

The Abstract Book of the 1st International Lifeguard Congress of European Lifeguard Academy, cont... more The Abstract Book of the 1st International Lifeguard Congress of European Lifeguard Academy, contains all the oral and poster presentations that were presented in the Congress in 2004 about aquatic safety, drowning, lifeguarding, scuba diving, the chain of survival, swimming, spinal injury managment and other water safety issues.

This book contains information for Pool/Waterpark Lifeguards and Lifesavers about communication, ... more This book contains information for Pool/Waterpark Lifeguards and Lifesavers about communication, spinal injuries, drowning, first aid, scanning etc.

This book contains safety rules for accident prevention in swimming pools, waterparks, rivers, la... more This book contains safety rules for accident prevention in swimming pools, waterparks, rivers, lakes, scuba divers, skin divers, fishermen, people with disabilities and all the aquatic sport professionals and athletes.

This book contains the history of Greek Lifeguarding and drowning incidents starting from the Anc... more This book contains the history of Greek Lifeguarding and drowning incidents starting from the Ancient Greek History and Mythology until the end of the year 2004.

This book contains everything that is needed by a pool/waterpark lifeguard and aquatic facility e... more This book contains everything that is needed by a pool/waterpark lifeguard and aquatic facility employer to know about water safety, accident prevention, first aid, rescues etc. It is illustrated with nice and clear schetches.

This book contains specialized knowledge on lifeguarding (e.g. drowning, hypothermia, spinal inju... more This book contains specialized knowledge on lifeguarding (e.g. drowning, hypothermia, spinal injury managment, communication, chain of survival, lifeguard team etc)

This book contains information about communication, personal survival at sea, first aid, lifesavi... more This book contains information about communication, personal survival at sea, first aid, lifesaving without equipment, answers to frequently asked questions, weather forecast, lifeguard equipment, safety rules etc.

It was academic book for 3 years in the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education of Athens University and University of Trikala.

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to identify who is the casualty, who is the rescuer, wher... more Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to identify who is the casualty, who is the rescuer, where and under what circumstances a drowning incident can occur and to develop a risk assessment model of drowning for lifesaving in swimming and other aquatic and non-aquatic activities. Method: Three studies were undertaken. Study 1: The key words ‘drown’, ‘aquatic emergency’, ‘risk factors’, ‘lifeguard’, ‘water safety’, ‘lifesaving’ and ‘rescue’ were used in a literature search aiming to identify quantitative research studies with variables that might involve in a drowning incident. Study 2: A criterion sampling method obtained videos (n=41) containing drowning incidents that were visually observed. Study 3: A combination of convenience
and snowball sampling method obtained 34 semi-structured interviews from water safety professionals and aquatic athletes of different nations. The objective and subjective content of the video was recorded, the interviews were transcribed and both texts were inserted in the software NVIVO for content analysis. Conclusions: (1) When there is human activity in, on, around, near and under an aquatic environment, then, a drowning incident might happen to whomever (due to victim’s or rescuer’s mistake), wherever and under whatever circumstances. (2) The factors that determine the outcome of drowning incidents are, in order of significance, rescuer characteristics (Who 1), casualty characteristics (Who 2), location (Wherever), and general circumstances (Whatever). (3) Rescuer characteristics, and their interaction with other factors (mainly with casualty characteristics), appear to largely determine the outcome of drowning incidents. (4) Risk taking behaviour leads to drowning when casualties are willing to seek pleasure by engaging themselves in aquatic activities with risk that perceive as controllable. (5) The 4W model of drowning is a promising tool in lifesaving and lifeguarding.

Papers by Stathis Avramidis

The aim of the present study was to associate the sets of behavior and the components of risk-tak... more The aim of the present study was to associate the sets of behavior and the components of risk-taking behavior that were
observed during a sample of drowning incidents. A major literature review of research identified potential risk-taking factors
related to drowning reported in the literature. Qualitative content analysis also was used to analyze publicly-available
drowning incident videos (n = 41). Authors also conducted semi-structured interviews of persons (n = 34) involved in separate
drowning incidents. Based on these samples, results confirmed that people who experienced drowning episodes come
from a range of age groups and they include sport risk-takers, as well as those engaging in rewarding, exciting, fun or exhilarating
aquatic adventures. Risk-takers often participated in swimming and non-aquatic activities near and above the water
on their own or as members of a group of like-minded peers.

Introduction: Artists have depicted drowning episodes in drawings with a religious, mythological,... more Introduction: Artists have depicted drowning episodes in drawings with a religious, mythological, historical,
suicidal, homicidal and military context. We aimed to identify the messages that the paintings with a drowning scene
during a military/combat situation deliver to viewers. Method: A criterion sampling method identified paintings that
portray drowning episodes during military and combat situations (n=57). Chi-squared tests were used for comparison
between categorical variables. Results: Ten statistically significant differences were identified between the bystanders at
the time of occurrence (p=0.046), the bystanders by the depiction of military weapons (p=0.010), the bystanders by the
number of casualties (p=0.049), the bystanders by the drowning stage of the casualty (p=0.014), the location by the means
of transportation (p<0.001), the location by the drowning stage (p<0.001), the water depth during the rescue attempt
(p=0.012), the water depth at the time of transportation (p<0.001), the casualty characteristics by the use of military
weapons (p=0.001) and finally the casualty number by the means of transportation (p=0.018). Conclusions: Casualties
were portrayed to be most often military adult males that drowned at sea in deep water. They were often seen to be
immersed carrying weapons, and were witnessed by the bystanders. Art has provided us with a heritage of depictions that
portrays drowning during military or combat situations. Warriors were always depicted accurately drowning but not
always swimming. From this wealth of artistic information, we can deduce how the portrayed warriors and/or civilians
under distress met their end or survived a drowning episode and avoided the enemy.

Research on drowning and swimming related artwork depictions is very recent and scarce (e.g., Avr... more Research on drowning and swimming related artwork depictions is very recent and scarce (e.g., Avramidis & Devouros, 2008; Avramidis, 2010; 2011). The purpose of this study was to identify weather art has been used as means of propaganda portraying drowning and swimming related themes. An artwork search was carried out using as key words the terms “propaganda”, “politics”, “advertisement”, “drowning”, “swimming” and “artwork” in academic lifesaving and medical textbooks, electronic databases and search engines machines. A total of 21 artworks in the form of painting and sketch were located (see figures 1, 2). Particularly, the artwork aimed to trumpet the issues of racism against colored people and detainees, to raise concerns and deliver messages about the financial situation of a country, to enhance military recruitment and to attract people to a specific political party. Like other means of communication (e.g., TV, radio, press), posters that include drowning and swimming related paintings and drawings have served in the past as means of delivering messages in an easy to understand and “digest” way accompanied often with a sense of humor. Overall, this study demonstrated that artists have bestowed a neglected wealth of artwork on the world of aquatics whether this involves swimming or drowning issues.

Ninety five percent of the planet and seventy percent of our body is composed by water. This demo... more Ninety five percent of the planet and seventy percent of our body is composed by water. This demonstrates clearly that the substance of water is fundamentally connected with our lives as means of sport, recreation and diet. Because of that, those not having the necessary skills to stay afloat while in the water, die by drowning. On the other hand, without water we cannot live; all swimmers die by thirst. This presentation aims to make a comparison on how the presence and the lack of water may cause death due to drowning and thirst respectively and draw related conclusions. Table 1 summarizes some facts about drowning and thirst, whereas figure 1 contains some photos that depict the humiliation and desperation of those searching for drinking water. It is concluded that, although drowning is a leading cause of death and a serious social and health problem worldwide, on the other hand, lack of drinking water is a more serious problem that affects a much higher number of people around the world. Given the close relationship of lifesaving professionals and educators with water, a campaign with them acting as “crusaders” is likely to trigger awareness and positive outcomes both for water safety and water preservation.

Water safety in Greece in the form of lifesaving and lifeguarding is 87 years old (1924-2011). Th... more Water safety in Greece in the form of lifesaving and lifeguarding is 87 years old (1924-2011). The aim of this short report was to overview the life of the “Father” of Hellenic lifesaving and his contribution to the field of lifesaving. A semi-structured interview was obtained by the pioneer of Hellenic lifesaving, Mr Lucas Bistarakis, as well as newspaper cuts and other documents from the public domain (Avramidis, 2006; in press).

Many drowning incidents can be prevented if necessary precautions are taken by those involved in ... more Many drowning incidents can be prevented if necessary precautions are taken by those involved in swimming and other aquatic and non-aquatic activities. The aim of the present study was to suggest a number of drowning prevention recommendations for enhancing public safety. The key words ‘drowning’, ‘lifesaving’, ‘prevention’, ‘recommendations, ‘water safety’ and ‘lifeguarding’ were used in a literature review that used sources that are routinely available in academic libraries and electronic databases (e.g. Medline, Sport Discuss, PsychINFO and PubMed). The selection process was based on literature published in Greek and English where drowning episodes occurred after engagement in swimming, aquatic and non-aquatic activities in or around the water. Seven hundred twenty three journal and magazine articles, books and internet sources were assessed and evaluated. This review led to several conclusions. The general public should be aware of several issues. First, anyone engaged in an activity in or around the water needs to consider the risks to which they are exposed. Risky activities near, above, in or under an aquatic environment and overestimation of personal limits are dangerous practices that need to be avoided. Second, people participating in activities that seem to be non-aquatic, but take place above or around the water (e.g. astronauts, pilots, drivers, etc.), need to know how to swim. Swimming proficiency should be mandatory in all water-based professions. Third, as the presence of lifeguards and their interaction with other factors is clearly important, people would need to engage in aquatic activities supervised by lifeguards where possible. People would also need to participate in activities that are established by authorities with established emergency action plans for aquatic emergencies and avoid going into places that do not offer quality safety services. Fourth, parents should always supervise their children, especially those under 5 years of age. Fifth, despite apparent differences in drowning patterns between genders, age groups, ethnicities, occupations, behavior, place of occurrence, activities, areas of residence, distance of the activity from the aquatic location, time of day, day of the week, and month, people must be strongly encouraged to pay attention to the safety measures of the activity undertaken, even when drowning seems unlikely (e.g. safety measures on board an airplane before take-off above the sea etc.).

Lifeguard surveillance has been cited as an important contributor for preventing drowning and oth... more Lifeguard surveillance has been cited as an important contributor for preventing drowning and other aquatic related emergencies. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that may prevent an early response to a drowning episode and lifeguard perceptions about the critical signs presented by a drowning victim. In the first qualitative study, the level of lifeguard surveillance was video recorded prior to-, during- and after two drowning episodes that were simulated by one adult and one child mock victims in 7 aquatic facilities while lifeguards were on duty (n=29, males= 23, females= 6). In the second study, a survey assessed the lifeguards’ perceptions about the critical signs they would expect from a drowning victim (n=236, males=203, females=33). In this study the statistic χ2 was used. Results confirmed that the sampled lifeguards in Poland were not able to perform effective surveillance of bathing pools while on duty. This was because they were unable to identify the simulated drowning victims due to failure in maintaining an organized and conscious scanning strategy and because they were placed at the shallow side of the pool instead of being spread around the pool with emphasis in the deep water, where drowning was most likely to occur. In relation to water safety organizations, the study demonstrated clearly the need for major updates in the lifeguard manual contents and education. In terms of organizing safer aquatic facilities, this study revealed the need for introducing daily quality operating procedures that would involve weekly staff training, frequent lifeguard rotations in a professional manner, application of various theories and models currently suggested and continuous professional development of everyone working in lifeguard settings. In relation to the general public, it was shown that aquatic facility patrons should not depend only on lifeguards for their safety.

Drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide. Illegal immigration is one of the conditions lead... more Drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide. Illegal immigration is one of the conditions leading to drowning accidents, usually attempts to enter illegally by boat. . Greece is a country positioned between three continents (Europe, Asia and Africa) with a long coast line (i.e. 13,676 Km) which is difficult to patrol and allows attempts of illegal crossings by those seeking a prosperous future in countries with a higher socio-economic state (Wikipedia, 2011). This study aimed to estimate the burden of drowning incidents that led either to death or missing victims while attempting to cross the sea borders of Greece illegally. The official statistics of the Hellenic Coast Guard for the period 2007-2011 were obtained (Hellenic Republic Ministry of Citizen Protection, personal communication 14 July 2011). Table 1 depicts, the number of drowning deaths and the number of cases from which people were missing at sea. In conclusion, it was found that during the examined 5-years period, 328 people attempted to cross the sea borders of Greece illegally. Of these, a total of 141 people drowned during 62 illegal crossing attempts. Also, another 187 people were reported as “missing” while attempting to cross the coastal borders in 23 illegal attempts. The greatest number of illegal attempts were noted in the year 2007 (62 deaths, 55 missing) whereas the lowest were noted in 2010 (6 missing) and in 2011 (2 deaths). Overall, results confirmed a decrease in the incident frequency that may be partially attributed to the recent better supervision of the Hellenic coastal borders by European and domestic guarding services (see Frontex, 2010) or the lack of employment opportunities that Greece may offer due to its poor current financial situation.

Lifeguard legislation can have a major impact on all aspects of aquatic safety including employer... more Lifeguard legislation can have a major impact on all aspects of aquatic safety including employers and employees, certifying organizations, local authorities and swimmers. The purpose of the present paper was to critically evaluate legislation in Greece related to lifeguarding. A review was conducted of the lifeguard legislation in Greece and, where merited, suggestions are offered based on both logic and practices by lifeguard organizations in other countries. One positive observation from this review of lifeguarding was that in Greece there are a number of pieces of lifeguarding legislation in place. The legislation dates back to 1976 and has been updated during the past decade. Based upon this review, it appears that a number of provisions of the legislation are misplaced. In each case, suggestions have been made in an effort to provide constructive help for Greek law makers. Among some of the suggestions, a major recommendation was that beach, pool, spa, and waterpark lifeguard syllabi and certifications should be clearly distinguished from each other in Greek legislation, and be updated regularly. Some changes are suggested in the terms and conditions for founding a lifeguard agency, for the training and assessment of lifeguards, lifeguard directors and instructors, for the type and quantity of training and rescue equipment, the need for updated print or digital electronic lifeguard training manuals. The need to emphasize the use of more contemporary equipment-based lifeguard rescue techniques was proposed. Also, the responsibilities of a lifeguard in a given aquatic area should be reviewed according to the size of the supervised area and not simply the number of bathers. Finally, it was proposed that separate legislative regulations should require different training, syllabi and certification names based upon the unique requirements of different aquatic facilities and environments (i.e., beach lifeguards won’t be able to work at pools because their training was more demanding but will have more specialized training if they want to wrk in different aquatic environments etc; Avramidis, 2010).

Drowning as a mode of death has been the subject of limited research in cinematography. This stud... more Drowning as a mode of death has been the subject of limited research in cinematography. This study aimed to reveal the drowning related ‘hidden’ messages that arise by observing a sample of drowning episodes (n=296) that were shown in a convenience sample of Hollywood films. Table 1 contains frequencies of the most important variables that determine the outcome of a drowning episode (i.e. the rescuer, the casualty, the place and the circumstances of occurrence) and which were represented in these drowning scenes. In conclusion, these frequencies show that Hollywood passes several hidden messages about drowning and rescue to the film viewers. Most films containing drowning episodes are drama, thriller, horror, adventure and action. The victim survived in two thirds of the sampled cases. The rescuer was most often an amateur, adult, thin, white male who attempted an early rescue wearing clothes. The victim was often but not exclusively a thin, white, adult male, with varied behavior and needs in the water, who was not local to the area and fell into the water fully clothed and unintentionally. Most often victims did not shout for help and were alone. In terms of location, drowning occurred most often in normal water temperatures and calm conditions when victims were out of their depth in various aquatic environments and various distances from safety. Although in these films all types of rescue were portrayed, the most dominant was the least recommended or abandoned option by most lifesaving organizations for amateur lifesavers (i.e. body contact tow) possibly because it gave a heroic dimension and contributed to the development of the desired drama or action. The incidents occurred mainly during the day after engagement in various aquatic and non-aquatic activities. From these activities, particularly interesting was that drowning was repeatedly used as a means of suicide, homicide, bullying and torture. Most of those engaged in aquatics, did not wear a personal flotation device. A limited evidence of risk taking behavior, near-death experiences, paranormal after-effects and demonstration of resuscitation of the victims was also identified. Most incidents occurred during the summer. The average duration of the sampled drowning episodes was about 37 seconds. Overall, it seems that Hollywood contains a wealth of motion pictures that may be used as an alternative means of water safety, lifesaving, lifeguarding, aquatic research and education. In some cases, the films portray what ”not to do” and in some others “what to do”. Both can be used to trigger the interest of the viewers and constructive discussions in an entertaining way.

In the developed world, a sedentary life style has increased over the last century, leading to in... more In the developed world, a sedentary life style has increased over the last century, leading to increased need for exercise, including aquatic activities, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This may inevitably cause an increase in drowning deaths. The burden of drowning is seriously underestimated for various reasons in terms of injury epidemiology and as a result this causes several negative social, financial, legal, psychological consequences. This review aims to examine this drowning pandemic, its consequences for casualties, rescuers and the society, to raise questions that are posed by its consequences, and to suggest possible answers that may resolve the problem.

It was academic book for 3 years in the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education of Athens University and University of Trikala.

This article aims to present an overview of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games in terms of water safet... more This article aims to present an overview of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games in terms of water safety and lifeguarding for the indoor events of swimming, synchronized swimming, water polo and diving. Overall, these games were successful and safe. However, based on the author’s direct experiences at the Games and according to the international literature and water safety standards, the following list of actions is suggested to be taken in the future for proactively organizing Olympic Games or other major aquatic events: (1) Develop written operating procedures (i.e. emergency action plan and daily operating procedures). (2) Employ sufficiently experienced lifeguards who should be paid by the local Olympic Organizing Committee (or designee) and who will be certified and specialized in swimming pool emergencies. There should be backup staff scheduled to permit regular (30-60 minute) rotations and to cover in event of illness or absence. (3) Purchase all necessary rescue equipment (i.e. rescue tubes, spinal boards, defibrillators, and first aid supplies from the budget of the local Olympic Organizing Committee or their designee). (4) Employ a head lifeguard who should be responsible for coordinating the entire lifeguard team for all aquatic events and at all water venues. This person should have extensive experience hiring appropriately-qualified lifeguards, organizing and conducting staff in-service training, and creating successful interactions among lifeguards, the risk manager and emergency medical personnel. (5) Plan for and conduct proper and frequent in-service training with all the necessary lifesaving equipment provided by the organizing committee. (6) Finally, maintain appropriate security procedures and employ sufficient security staff to prevent intruders from disrupting any events.

Introduction: The aim of the present scholarly work was to identify paintings depicting drowning ... more Introduction: The aim of the present scholarly work was to identify paintings depicting drowning incidents and aquatic rescues taking place during military expeditions and to evaluate their content. Method: A literature review identified 16 paintings. Results: Drowning incidents occurred in rivers (9, 56.25%) and the sea (7, 43.75%). The causes of drowning were accidental (8, 50%), suicide (2, 12.5%) and the result of operations of war (6, 37.5%; figure 1). Paintings depicted single (9, 56.25%) or multiple (7, 43.75%) casualties who were males (14, 87.25%), females (1, 6.25%) or casualties from both genders (1, 6.25%). The outcome was either death (10, 62.5%) or survival (4, 12.5%) or was not portrayed (2, 12.5%). Survival was the result of either self-rescue (2, 12.5%) or wade (1, 6.25%) and swim-and-tow rescue (3, 18.75%) from a male amateur rescuer (3, 18.75%) or an animal (1, 6.25%). Conclusion: Overall, this study confirms that drowning episodes have served as themes of art through the centuries. These paintings represent a
wealth of our aquatic safety heritage.

Introduction: Scholarly work dedicated to study the issues of drowning and aquatics in artwork de... more Introduction: Scholarly work dedicated to study the issues of drowning and aquatics in artwork depictions is scarce (e.g., Avramidis, 2011). This study aimed to identify artwork drowning and other aquatic emergencies related to flooding. Methods: An internet based search revealed 25 such paintings from various artists internationally (see figure 1). Results: The sampled artwork portrayed mostly multiple flood victims of all ages and genders. They mainly got into difficulty during day time while engaged in activities in and around water, on land or in domestic environments. In the absence of rescuers, the victims used boats, swimming, or climbing to high places as a means of avoiding drowning. Rescuers, when present, were always male and applied reach, row, and swim and- tow rescues. In most depictions the victims survived the event. Conclusion: Overall, it seems that art has augmented the fields of illustrating drowning incidents, lifesavingrescues and self-survival attempts in moments of desperation caused by flood disasters.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to identify mythological and legendary stories rel... more Introduction: The aim of the present study was to identify mythological and legendary stories related to drowning episodes, swimming and other aquatic activities. Method: The terms “art”, “painting”, “myth”, “legend”, and “aquatics” were used as key words in a search that was undertaken to identify related artwork. The search used the internet search engines machines and databases that contain paintings.Sixty paintings from various periods of human history were located (e.g., figure 1). Results: Results confirmed that various civilizations from all over the world contain such myths and legends (n=71) involving creatures (32, 45%), people (11, 15%) and gods (28, 40%). People were involved in drownings as lifesavers and victims. Rescue interventions were performed by humans, animals, creatures and gods. Drownings occurred due to engagement in aquatic and non-aquatic activities in or around the water, homicide, and wrestling in the water. Conclusion: Collectively, this study offers a cultural insight into our ancestors’ mythological and legendary heritage, and a teaching aid for historians, teachers, swimmers, water safety advocates and academics.

Introduction: Drowning incidents have been researched in terms of epidemiology, medicine and life... more Introduction: Drowning incidents have been researched in terms of epidemiology, medicine and lifesaving, but no research has yet approached this drownign and its rescue intervention from the perspective of art. This study aimed to identify drowning and rescue related artwork and to evaluate its content. Method: The terms ‘drowning’, ‘art’ and ‘painting’ were used as key words in a search that was undertaken to identify painting and other artwork that may have a drowning or water rescue theme. The search used the internet search engines ‘Google’ and ‘Wikimedia Commons’ and lifesaving books with historical references. Sixty paintings from various periods of human history were located (e.g., Figure 1). Conclusion: In terms of generic conclusions, results confirmed that drowning episodes and aquatic rescues have inspired many artists throughout the centuries in numerous civilisations. We cannot say precisely what were their primary motives for drawing such scenes, or judge the quality of their effort, according to standards that applied to the artwork of their period, one thing is certain: they clearly left us, the water safety professionals and academics, with an unparalleled heritage that can serve as an inspiration and starting point of reference, for water safety education. In terms of specific conclusions, rescuers were always males or animals. Females were depicted only as witnesses of young age victims. Casualties from all age groups and genders presumably drowned accidentally, as they wore clothes in all depictions. Most artwork depicted single instead of multiple victims. Drownings were depicted in various aquatic environments, but more often at sea. Various types of rescues were applied to drowning victims in the cases studied.

Introduction: It has been claimed that pre-historic man came in contact with water for the first ... more Introduction: It has been claimed that pre-historic man came in contact with water for the first time when he was forced to swim to avoid being chased by an animal or an enemy. We can only make guesses at the truth. However, it is certain that by reviewing the literature and ancient depictions, a rich world of information is revealed. This article aims to review evidence, in the form of artwork of swimming activities in various civilizations and periods of history. Method: The term ‘swimming’ was used as the key word in a search that was undertaken to identify painting and other artwork that may have a swimming related theme. The search used internet search engines, swimming and water safety books with historical references. In order to obtain the most appropriate artwork, paintings selected had to meet one criterion: they had to have a swimming or an aquatic related theme. Results: The search located 65 paintings from various periods of history (e.g. from Paleolithic and ancient times until today) and numerous civilizations (e.g. Egypt, Greece, Persia, Italy, Spain, the United States of America, Japan and China) from the ancient times until today. Conclusion: To summarise, the present article show that swimming has been reported as a mode of human movement since Palaeolithic times of human history. Furthermore, it shows that it has been used as a means of exercise for good health and quality of life in some civilizations. Also the ability to swim was necessary for those who were involved in boating, and military as a means of escaping from enemies and avoiding drowning. Finally, it is clear that many artists from all around the world, have been inspired by general aquatic and more specific swimming themes of daily life, portraying ordinary people or legendary and historical figures (e.g., Figure 1) being engaged in aquatics. As a result of that, swimming coaches and teachers, sports scientists and academics, swimming athletes and their parents, have inherited an unparallel heritage of artistic wealth. This wealth, that depicts our ancestors, will always be a reminder of where we came from, and an invaluable teaching aid for public and academic aquatic, water safety and swimming education (Avramidis, 2010).

Introduction: This study aimed to locate and overview suicide drownings that served as the subjec... more Introduction: This study aimed to locate and overview suicide drownings that served as the subject in artwork depictions and to evaluate their content. Methods: A related search revealed 20 paintings containing suicide drownings that involved fictional, historical and mythological characters. The victims were exclusively adults. Among them, females outnumbered males (e.g., Figure 1; Wikimedia Commons, 2011). Conclusion: Drownings took place in seas, rivers and lakes almost always during the day time, in the presence of witnesses and as a result of love affairs, social reasons, as a means of avoiding capture in the battle field. These suicides were depicted often, but not always for the same reasons and circumstances that occur today. Thus, artwork can be used by scholars and aquatic personnel for research and education in terms of drowning prevention (Avramidis, 2010).

Introduction: Torture, punishment and homicide are document examples of human violence that can b... more Introduction: Torture, punishment and homicide are document examples of human violence that can be implemented in or with water. This study aimed to locate water tortures, punishments and homicide drownings that served as the subject in artwork depictions and to evaluate their content (see Wikimedia Commons, 2011). Methods: A combination of a criterion and a convenient sampling method was used to locate paintings containing water tortures, punishments and homicide drowning episodes (see Figures 1-2). Results: A related search revealed 34 paintings containing water tortures (11, 32%), punishments (15, 44%) and homicide drownings (8, 24%), that involved fictional characters (28, 82%) or historical figures (6, 18%). The victims were almost always adult (33, 97%) males (14, 44%) or female (20, 56%). These incidents took place in seas (2, 6%), rivers (10, 32%), lakes (6, 18%), and domestic water (e.g. barrels, baths, etc.) or in prisons (13, 38%) almost always during the day time (28, 88%), in the presence (22, 62%) of witnesses. Conclusion: Collectively, this international wealth of information may be used by scholars and educators in the fields of criminology, history, art, aquatics, water safety and drowning prevention (Avramidis, 2010).

Introduction: Drowning is often reported as a cause of accidental death but no research has been ... more Introduction: Drowning is often reported as a cause of accidental death but no research has been dedicated in identifying whether it has been used as means of martyrdom in religious narrations. The aim of the present study was to identify the martyrdom drowning incidents that are reported during the first five centuries of the operation of the Christian Orthodox church (e.g., Wikimedia Commons, 2011). Method: A criterion sampling method identified a number (n=44) of male (31, 70.45%), female (13, 29.55%) or multiple martyrs experienced drowning that led to death (35, 79.55%) or survival (9, 20.45%) confirming that drowning was used as a mode of martyrdom during the examined period (see Figure 1). Results: Their persecutors were autocrats (9, 20.45%); judges (1, 2.27%) and prefects (8, 18.18%); sovereign and kings (8, 18.18%); or even their father (1, 2.27%) because of their love to God and dedication and faith to Christianity. Their drowning martyrdom took place in various aquatic environments (e.g., sea 20, 45.45%; lake 8, 18.18%; river 9, 20.45%; well and cauldron 2, 4.55%). The criterion Pearson’s chi square and a logistic regression analysis revealed that the possibility of having a death after a martyrdom drowning was 12 times higher when having multiple than single martyrs. Conclusion: Collectively, this study revealed that drowning has been used as means of executing religious people in the past.