This article covers physical safety on the water — boat safety, swimming, marine environment, medical considerations, and emergency procedures. For consent, interpersonal boundaries, and community culture, see Consent & Community Culture.
Skippers: For a complete safety briefing checklist and fleet coordination details, see the Guide for Skippers & Boat Camp Organizers.
Boat Safety
Always:
- Follow your captain's instructions regarding safety
- Wear life jackets when required (mostly it won't be necessary) or when you personally feel better with one
- Keep one hand for yourself, one for the boat
- Move carefully on deck
Swimming Safety
Guidelines:
- When offshore, inform your boat before swimming and use the buddy system
- Don't get near the propeller while the engine is running
- Be aware of currents and boat traffic
- Don't swim far from the boat
- Watch for jellyfish and sea urchins
- Don't dive into unknown water
Marine Waste and Sewage — Leave No Trace on Water
The anchorage is the equivalent of the playa. LNT applies just as strictly on the water as on land — and in some ways more so, because the sea is a living ecosystem and your neighbours are swimming in it.
Sewage / black water tanks:
- Always close your sewage holding tank valves when anchored in a bay with other boats
- Do not discharge sewage into a shared anchorage, regardless of wind or current direction
- This was a real problem at Pyraegea 2023 — boats in the anchorage were discharging sewage into water where others were swimming
- See Toilets and Holding Tanks for detailed guidance
Food waste:
- Do not throw food waste (fruit, scraps, packaging) into the anchorage — it is visible and unpleasant for swimmers, and contrary to LNT principles
- Dispose of food waste in deep water
Washing dishes and grey water:
- Do dishes and wash up while underway, not at anchor — even "biodegradable" soap forms a greasy film on calm water that is unpleasant for swimmers
- The same applies to rinsing produce, washing hands with soap, and disposing of any grey water
In a calm, enclosed bay, the water does not flush itself. What goes in stays in. Treat the anchorage with at least the care you'd give the playa.
Sun, Heat, and Seasickness
Use sunscreen, wear a hat, seek shade during peak hours, and stay hydrated. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before symptoms start, stay on deck watching the horizon, and inform your captain if you're struggling — it usually improves after a day or two.
Medical Considerations
Bring adequate medications, inform your captain of any medical conditions, and have travel insurance. Each boat should carry a first aid kit. Serious issues may require evacuation to shore — Greek islands have medical facilities.
Disembarkment Syndrome (Land Sickness)
After a week at sea, many participants experience a sensation of still being on a moving boat once back on land — a persistent rocking, swaying, or internal sense of motion.
- This is caused by the vestibular system recalibrating after prolonged exposure to motion, and is entirely normal
- It typically resolves within a few days
- If it persists beyond a week, consult a doctor — the canalith repositioning procedure (Epley manoeuvre) can help in persistent cases
Emergency Procedures
Medical Emergency
- Alert your boat captain immediately
- Provide first aid if trained
- Contact other boats via VHF if needed
- Prepare for possible evacuation
- Contact Greek emergency services (112)
Man Overboard
- Shout "Man overboard!" immediately
- Throw flotation device
- Keep eyes on the person
- Follow captain's instructions
- Execute recovery procedures
Your captain will explain this procedure to you as part of the boat safety briefing.
Fire on Board
- Alert everyone immediately
- Use appropriate fire extinguisher
- Prepare to abandon ship if necessary
- Call for help on VHF Channel 16
- Follow captain's emergency procedures
Severe Weather
- Follow captain's instructions
- Secure all loose items
- Wear life jackets
- Stay below if instructed
- Use harnesses and tethers on deck
- Greek Emergency Services: 112
- Coast Guard: VHF Channel 16
- Pyraegea Safety Coordinators: (listed in Telegram)
Post-Event Illness Awareness
Close-quarters sailing — shared cabins, communal meals, raft-ups, and a week of close contact — means that respiratory infections spread easily through the fleet. After Pyraegea 2023, multiple participants tested positive for COVID in the days following the event.
What to expect:
- It's common to pick up a cold or respiratory bug during or after the event — factor recovery time into your travel plans
- Symptoms may not appear until several days after returning home
- If you test positive for COVID or another contagious illness in the week after the event, post in the general Telegram group so others can monitor themselves
- Negative results are also useful to share if others are anxious
- This is an established community practice, not an obligation — but it's appreciated and helps people make informed decisions about seeing vulnerable family members