On Ukraine’s water bodies, nearly 100 people have died in June due to negligence and disregard for safety rules
According to the State Emergency Service (SES), during June, the tragedy across the country claimed nearly a hundred lives — specifically, 98 people, including eight minors. Just in the past week, nine people drowned in Ukrainian water bodies, two of whom were children. This again highlights the critical importance of adhering to safety rules while relaxing near water and the need to raise awareness about the associated risks. The situation is particularly difficult in the Kharkiv region, where tragedies have repeatedly occurred due to swimming in rivers and ponds. Recently, divers discovered the body of a 13-year-old boy who went missing while swimming. According to rescuers, the child was found in the water after several days of search. This case serves as a stark reminder of the many preventable tragedies caused by negligence and a careless attitude towards safety. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 467 people have fallen victim to water-related hazards in the country, including 28 minors. This indicates the seriousness of the problem and underscores the necessity of widespread informational campaigns among citizens. Water bodies, including rivers, ponds, and lakes, often become sources of deadly tragedies due to the failure to follow basic safety rules or lack of proper training. Experts call on Ukrainians to be especially vigilant and responsible when relaxing near water, to avoid diving in unfamiliar places, and not to ignore signs and restrictions. Unfortunately, many tragedies could be prevented simply by following straightforward rules: not entering the water alone, refraining from swimming after alcohol consumption, protecting children, and supervising their presence near water. Overall, summer is a time of mysterious and enjoyable adventures, but it is during this season that attentiveness and responsibility are most vital. Every loss at the water is not just a statistic but a human tragedy that could happen to any of us at any moment. Therefore, it is important to remember: safety near water is everyone's responsibility.