Eight Drownings During Midsummer Holidays: Fire and Rescue Service Warns of Dangerous Trend

Tragic Incidents During Midsummer Holidays

The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) reports that eight people drowned in Latvia over the five-day Jāņi (Midsummer) holiday period. The accidents occurred in various bodies of water—rivers, lakes, ponds, and a quarry.

Fatalities were recorded in several locations: on Saturday, a body was recovered from a river in Jūrmala; on Sunday, in Rēzekne municipality's Lendži parish (pond), Cēsis municipality's Vecpiebalga parish and Saulkrasti municipality's Sēja parish (lakes); on Tuesday, in Dobele municipality's Penkule parish (quarry) and Smiltene municipality's Grundzāle parish (pond); on Wednesday, in Valmiera (river) and Daugavpils (lake). Additionally, on Sunday in Riga, a call was received about a possible drowning in a river, but the victim was not found during search operations.

Warnings About Risk Factors

Ivars Nakurts, Deputy Chief of VUGD, commented on TV3 that the holidays turned out tragically. He noted that approximately 100 people drown in Latvia every year, with alcohol involved in two-thirds of cases. Nakurts emphasized that drownings occur in all kinds of places—both in the sea and rivers, as well as in backyard ponds and other seemingly familiar swimming spots.

With warm weather continuing, VUGD reminds the public that recklessness near water can lead to tragic consequences—serious injuries or drowning. Swimming under the influence of alcohol, in unfamiliar places, or alone is especially dangerous. Although the air is summer-hot, the water has not yet warmed up; therefore, entering quickly or jumping in can cause cardiovascular problems and cramps. VUGD advises choosing safe swimming areas, not overestimating one's abilities, and always supervising children near water.

During the same period, one person died in fires, five were injured, and five were rescued.