More than 200 rabbis and guests drowned in St. Christopher's Square.

More than 200 residents of Rab and visitors took part in a special underwater experience on St. Christopher's Square last weekend. The event, organized under the project "Pogled u plavo," offered participants their first opportunity to try scuba diving in a fully controlled and safe environment. A 10-meter portable pool served as the central attraction, allowing all interested individuals to safely explore the underwater world with professional supervision. The initiative, which has been held annually in Rab for over a decade, aims to promote Croatia’s rich marine landscapes while educating the public about ocean conservation and water safety. This year’s edition saw a particularly high turnout, with more than 200 participants taking advantage of the free, guided sessions. The event was hosted on the central square of the town, transforming it into a temporary aquatic paradise for the day. Before entering the pool, attendees received a brief theoretical lesson on basic diving techniques and equipment usage. Once inside, they were greeted with an unexpected visual treat, a subaquatic exhibition featuring photographs by renowned underwater photographer Marjan Radović. These images, displayed on the inner walls of the pool, vividly captured the beauty of the deep sea and enriched the overall experience. Safety was a top priority during the event, with experienced members of the Croatian Military Veterans Scuba Club (HRVI) Nemo-Adriatic and the project team ensuring that all participants were well protected. The club’s involvement highlights the community’s commitment to promoting safe and responsible diving practices. Andrea Vedrina, the project leader, expressed her satisfaction with this year’s success. She noted that the response from visitors, especially children, had been overwhelming. Many of them were experiencing their first dive, and the opportunity to do so in a secure, controlled setting was both exciting and educational. “This is a wonderful chance for young people to get familiar with diving gear and the underwater world,” she said. The "Pogled u plavo" project has been running since 2010, aiming to position Croatia as a premier diving destination and tourist spot. To date, the project has attracted over 95 visits in numerous cities within and beyond Croatia. The event continues to draw large crowds, demonstrating sustained interest in exploring the mysteries of the ocean. The successful weekend was made possible through the collaboration of several local organizations, including the City of Rab, the Tourism Association of Rab, and the Blue Promotion Agency. The event also received support from the company HONDA MARINE (Fred Bobek d.o.o.) and the media platform Morski.hr, which helped spread awareness of the activity. The event once again proved that enthusiasm for discovering the underwater world remains strong. With its unique blend of education, entertainment, and environmental awareness, the project continues to play a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism and marine exploration in the region.