Lithuania records 20 child drownings in five years as rescuers urge water safety

Lithuania’s firefighters and rescuers have called for greater water safety awareness after 20 children drowned in the country over the past five years, with 15 others rescued from near-death incidents, LRT reports.

Speaking at a press conference in Naujoji Vilnia on Tuesday, Evaldas Tamašauskas, head of the Civil Protection Department under the Fire Protection and Rescue Service (PAGD), said rescuers had saved 551 drowning individuals in the same period—an average of 110 per year, including four children annually.

“The most common victims are middle-aged men, typically 52 years old,” Tamašauskas said, noting that winter ice-fishing accidents contribute to the toll. “They often ignore safety rules and lack proper equipment like ice picks.”

Children remain a critical concern. “The most painful cases are child drownings,” Tamašauskas said. “In five years, 20 children drowned—nine in summer alone—but rescuers saved 15 others.” He attributed many tragedies to unsupervised children near water and overestimation of swimming skills, often compounded by alcohol or reckless diving into unfamiliar waters.

PAGD has drafted a national plan to cut annual drownings to 13 by 2035 through public education, improved waterway infrastructure, and marking hazardous swimming spots on maps. The strategy also targets suicide-by-drowning prevention and expanded first-aid training.

Rescuer Renaldas Bernotas warned against plunging into cold water, especially early in the season. “Sudden immersion can shock the body,” he said. “Enter gradually, acclimate, and avoid deep water at first.” He urged bystanders to call emergency services before attempting rescues and to use flotation devices when available.

Drowning hotspots include rural water bodies in Vilnius and Kaunas regions. Statistics show no significant worsening in recent years, but authorities stress vigilance as the traditional swimming season begins June 1.