LatviaPublished: 25 June 2026 at 08:36

Eight people drown in Latvia during Midsummer holidays

Eight people lost their lives in water over the five-day Midsummer period in Latvia, according to the State Fire and Rescue Service.

Eight people drowned in Latvia during this year's Midsummer holidays, Ivars Nakurts, deputy chief of the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD), told TV3 on Thursday.

Nakurts noted with regret that every year around 100 people drown in Latvia. He pointed out that in about two-thirds of all drowning cases, alcohol consumption is the cause.

The VUGD representative emphasized that people drown in all kinds of places – in the sea, rivers, backyard ponds, and other seemingly familiar swimming spots. He described the situation as tragic and urged people to be cautious near water.

Comments

Choose a username (stays yours for good):

0/1500

Comments are automatically moderated. No hate, threats, personal data or spam.

Loading comments…

More in this category

Latvia

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

Eight people drowned in Latvia during the five-day Midsummer holidays. The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) reports that about 100 people drown annually, with alcohol involved in two-thirds of cases.

TVNET · 43 min ago

Latvia

Riga City Council Politicians' Ratings Decline; Kotello Drops Most

Most Riga City Council leaders saw their ratings fall in the first half of the year, with Marta Kotello experiencing the steepest drop, while three politicians, including Vilnis Ķirsis, increased their popularity.

TVNET · 1 h ago

Latvia

Driver Challenges Speeding Fine in Court, Citing Family Emergency to Save Mother from Heat

A Riga resident is contesting a €40 speeding fine in court, arguing that she exceeded the limit to rush to her mother's aid during a heatwave.

Apollo.lv · 3 h ago