Tragic Drownings Prompt Urgent Safety Warning for Croatian Waters

Zagreb, Croatia – Following two tragic drownings this month in unsupervised natural waters, Croatian Civil Protection authorities are issuing an urgent appeal for increased caution among swimmers. A 51-year-old man drowned in a lake near Samobor, and a 17-year-old lost his life in the Kupa river near Sisak, highlighting the inherent dangers of unregulated bathing spots.Božidar Ćurić from the Regional Office of Civil Protection Zagreb emphasized the unpredictability of 'wild' bathing areas. 'These places are dangerous due to cold water, especially if individuals enter the water under the influence of alcohol,' Ćurić stated. 'Rivers themselves can be fast and unpredictable, and the steepness of the banks, as well as the visibility in lakes, differ significantly from the sea.'Ante Mlinarić from the Department for Crisis Situations added that a major issue with these unsupervised locations is the absence of lifeguards. 'A lifeguard is the first person to see someone in distress,' Mlinarić explained. He noted that while they conduct training for accidental rescuers, individuals should never put themselves in a dangerous situation. 'If you see someone drowning, try to pull them out, but never endanger yourself. Call emergency medical services immediately.'Civil Protection strongly advises citizens to avoid swimming in unsupervised lakes and rivers. Instead, they recommend swimming primarily in the sea or at officially registered bathing areas equipped with lifeguards and safety measures. Authorities hope that these warnings will encourage greater responsibility among citizens, prompting them to follow safety recommendations and avoid irresponsible swimming practices.