Tragic Accident: Young Greek Tourist from Athens Faces Less Than 5% Chance of Walking Again After Cottesloe Beach Incident

Perth, January 15, 2026 – A young Greek visitor from Athens, Ioannis (Giannis) Vidiniotis, is facing a life-altering prognosis after a devastating swimming accident at Cottesloe Beach on New Year’s Eve. Doctors have advised his family that he has less than a 5% chance of ever walking again following catastrophic spinal fractures sustained when he struck his head on a sandbank.

Ioannis had arrived in Perth from Athens just two days earlier and was enjoying a calm swim with relatives when the incident occurred. His cousin, Aristea Kazantzidou, described the moment:
“This is the hardest reality for our family to face. Giannis went into the water feeling safe — the next time I saw him, he was floating face down. None of us could have imagined how quickly everything would change.”

Aristea immediately pulled him from the water and began CPR. A bystander, anaesthetist Lloyd, rushed to help, alongside Cottesloe Beach lifesavers who provided critical emergency care. St John paramedics arrived promptly and continued life-saving treatment on scene.
“We cannot thank Lloyd, the lifesavers, and the paramedics enough,” Aristea said. “Their actions have given Giannis a slim chance.”

Ioannis was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, where he is expected to remain for at least six weeks under intensive care. Once stabilised, he will begin an intensive six-month rehabilitation program at Fiona Stanley Hospital, focusing on physiotherapy and neurological recovery.
“The staff, doctors, and nurses at Royal Perth Hospital have been extraordinary,” Aristea added. “Their compassion, skill,l and commitment have carried us through the darkest days.”

Medical specialists have now confirmed the severity of the injuries — a broken collarbone and severe spinal damage — leading to the grim prognosis. The family says the accident serves as a stark reminder of the ocean’s dangers, even on seemingly calm days.
“This is a stark reminder that Perth’s beaches, no matter how calm they appear, can be treacherous,” Aristea said. “We want people to enjoy our coastline, but also to understand how quickly things can go wrong.”

In response, the Hellenic Community of Western Australia has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help cover Ioannis’s extensive medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care needs as an international visitor. The financial burden is significant and ongoing.
“The support from the community has been overwhelming,” Aristea said. “Every donation, every message, reminds us that Giannis is not fighting this battle alone.”

The family is calling on the wider Western Australian community — and the global Greek diaspora — to support the fundraiser and help raise awareness about beach safety.

Donate here: Ioannis (Giannis) Vidiniotis

Greek City Times encourages readers to share this story and, if possible, contribute. We wish Ioannis strength and a full recovery.