On the beaches of Attica, lifeguards describe a job defined as much by vigilance as by rescue. Their greatest challenge, they say, is maintaining constant concentration while scanning hundreds of swimmers to identify the one person in danger. Many incidents involve children left briefly unattended. One lifeguard recalled spotting a young child sinking in shallow water, visible only by a small hand above the surface. Others point to parents distracted by mobile phones as a recurring problem. Data cited in the report show that people over 60 account for the largest share of drowning victims. In 2025 alone, 284 people in that age group died by drowning. Men represented 67% of victims. Lifeguards say older swimmers often overestimate their abilities, while some enter the water after taking blood-pressure medication. The work carries emotional strain. Several lifeguards recalled their first encounters with unconscious swimmers and unsuccessful resuscitation attempts. Beyond rescues, the profession requires extensive training, medical knowledge and daily safety decisions. [Nikos Kokkalais]