Responding to the invitation of the organizers, the Region of Crete put under its auspices and participated in the international conference entitled: “11th International Conference on Swimming Pools and Spas”, recognizing its significant scientific and social impact, as well as its close connection with the defense of Public Health.
The conference, which was held in Athens, at the premises of the School of Public Health of the University of West Attica, brought together prominent scientists, researchers and experts from Greece and abroad, creating a fertile field for the exchange of know-how, innovative ideas and scientific practices regarding the quality, safety and management of swimming waters.
The conference’s themes and conclusions were a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration for the design of new policies and actions in the fields of prevention, public health and environmental protection. The findings, good practices and proposals presented by the participating scientists and institutions are expected to be substantially utilized, strengthening regional planning and promoting more effective and sustainable interventions for the benefit of the citizens and the natural resources of Crete.
Among the main conclusions of the conference was the need for continuous and systematic monitoring of the quality of recreational waters (swimming pools, spas, etc.), through digital tools and early warning mechanisms, as well as the strengthening of cooperation between public health institutions, local governments and tourism businesses, with the aim of implementing uniform safety standards. At the same time, the importance of developing educational programs and certified procedures for professionals active in the water facilities sector was underlined, as well as the utilization of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence tools for the collection and analysis of data related to Public Health and the environment.
In addition, emphasis was placed on the adaptation of water safety policies to new climate conditions, in order to prevent environmental and health risks, as well as on the need to strengthen information and awareness among citizens, with the aim of cultivating a culture of prevention and responsibility in the use and management of water.
At the conference, the Region of Crete was represented by the Deputy Governor of Crete, Giorgos Pitsoulis, and the Director of Public Health, Dr. Antonis Papadakis. Mr. Pitsoulis congratulated and thanked the organizing committee, emphasizing that the protection of Public Health and the assurance of water quality constitute a strategic pillar of policy for the Region of Crete, while he highlighted the need to develop innovative tools for monitoring the quality of recreational waters on the island.
Dr. Papadakis, participating as an invited speaker with the presentation “Challenges in the control of the quality of recreational waters in the Region of Crete and in the light of the climate crisis”, highlighted the increasing challenges faced by the tourist areas of the island and emphasized the need to strengthen controls, utilize technology and expand collaborations between Public Health bodies and tourism businesses.
During the conference, Messrs. Pitsoulis and Papadakis had the opportunity to talk with representatives of the local government, scientific bodies, and athletes.
Specifically, views were exchanged with the President of the Committee on Environment and Energy of the European Committee of the Regions, Costas Bakoyannis, the Deputy Governor of Tourism and Culture of Central Greece, Fani Papathoma, as well as the world water polo champions, Fotini Tricha and Dimitris Tzelatis.
The participation of the Region of Crete in the conference underlines its long-standing commitment to the protection of Public Health, the promotion of scientific knowledge and the strengthening of synergies that contribute to sustainable development and the well-being of citizens.
