Lithuania records 20 child drownings over past five years

Lithuanian firefighters have reported that 20 children have drowned in the country over the past five years, with rescuers saving 15 minors during the same period, state broadcaster LRT reported Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference in Naujoji Vilnia, Evaldas Tamašauskas, head of the Civil Protection Department under the Fire Protection and Rescue Service (PAGD), stated that 551 drowning individuals were rescued over the last five years, averaging 110 per year—including four children annually.

“The biggest challenge remains child drownings,” Tamašauskas said. “Children who behave unsafely are our greatest concern. Statistics show 20 drowned children over five years, with nine of those incidents occurring in summer. But I must emphasize that firefighters rescued 15 children in that same period.”

Most drownings occur in rural water bodies, with Vilnius and Kaunas districts recording the highest numbers. The typical victim profile is a 52-year-old man, often ice fishing without safety equipment, according to Tamašauskas.

He noted that many drownings result from overestimating swimming abilities, alcohol consumption, or jumping into unfamiliar waters. Children often drown due to lack of supervision near water.

“People drown not because they can’t swim, but because they overestimate their strength,” Tamašauskas said.

The PAGD has drafted a plan to reduce annual drownings to 13 by 2035, focusing on public education, improved water safety infrastructure, and marking hazardous swimming spots on maps. Efforts will also target reducing suicides by drowning.

Rescuer Renaldas Bernotas warned against diving into unknown waters, noting that cold water can cause shock. He advised entering water gradually and using flotation devices to assist struggling swimmers.

“If you see someone drowning, call rescuers first—only then attempt to reach them,” Bernotas said.