According to data published on the platform X on Saturday by the National Police Headquarters, “from 1 January to 31 May, 65 people died as a result of drowning.”
However, no drownings have been reported so far in June.
Police are urging the public not to enter the water under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants, not to leave children unattended near water, and to respond to any dangerous behaviour.
According to police statistics, the number of drownings in Poland has been declining in recent years. Last year, a total of 292 people drowned, compared with 444 in 2024.
Meanwhile, Government Security Centre data show that a large proportion of drownings occur during the summer holiday season: 122 people drowned during this period last year and 187 in 2024.
The trend was confirmed by Jarosław Sroka, the head of the Masurian Volunteer Rescue Service, who argued that weather conditions significantly influence the number of drownings. A cool summer discourages people from swimming, while warmer weather leads to more visits to beaches and, consequently, more incidents. He also urged people to always choose lifeguard-supervised bathing areas to ensure safety.
The State Fire Service also recommends using only supervised bathing sites. It further stresses that swimmers covering longer distances should use flotation buoys for safety, and that people using kayaks, boats, or sailboats should always wear life jackets.
(mo)
Source: PAP