Palanga lifeguards report fewer incidents as beachgoers grow more cautious

Palanga’s lifeguards have seen a drop in accidents this season, with no drownings recorded so far, according to a report by LRT.lt.

Jonas Pirožnikas, head of Palanga’s lifeguard service, noted that the city’s beaches, which stretch from Klaipėda district to the Latvian border, have seen no fatalities this year or last. Only two swimmers have required rescue so far in 2026. The team of 54 lifeguards, working in shifts across 19 posts, attributes the improvement to greater public awareness of risks.

Pirožnikas, a former police officer now in his 20th season as a lifeguard, recalled past years when dozens of rescues were needed per season. He cited improved behaviour among visitors, though he warned that some habits remain unchanged, particularly a lack of supervision for children. “People relax too much. They might watch their kids while reading a book, but an accident can happen in seconds,” he said.

One persistent challenge is the behaviour of returning Lithuanian emigrants, who Pirožnikas described as often reckless after earning money abroad. “They just go wild,” he said. The lifeguards have no authority to penalise rule-breakers, including those drinking alcohol on the beach or bringing dogs, leaving them to rely on persuasion.

Pirožnikas also recalled a past tragedy near Palanga Bridge, where a 12-year-old boy drowned after being rescued once but returning to the water. The incident remains a stark reminder of the risks, even as overall safety improves.