24 people drown in Poland over scorching weekend as Sunday claims 17 lives, the highest single-day toll in 2026
A blistering heatwave across Poland saw 24 people drown over the weekend, with 17 fatalities on Sunday alone – the highest single-day drowning tally since the start of the year.
Weekend death toll
At least 24 people lost their lives in Polish waters over the weekend of 27–28 June, the Government Centre for Security (RCB) confirmed on Monday. On Sunday alone, police recorded 17 drownings, the worst daily figure since 1 January. The total for June now stands at 55 fatalities, up from just a handful in earlier months. The weekend toll emerged as a heatwave pushed temperatures to levels not seen in decades, driving crowds to unguarded lakes, rivers and the Baltic coast.
- Seven drownings reported nationwide as the heatwave intensifies.
- Seventeen drownings, the highest single-day toll in 2026, during temperatures reaching 40.5°C.
Record-breaking heat
On Sunday, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) registered 40.5°C in Słubice, western Poland. If verified, the reading will surpass the national record of 40.2°C set in Prószków in 1921 and far exceed the post‑war high of 39.5°C recorded in the same town in 1994. Level‑III heat warnings (the highest tier) remained in force into Monday evening for most of central, eastern and southern provinces, forecasting daytime highs of 35–39°C and nights no cooler than 18–25°C. The warnings urge people to avoid direct sun between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., wear light clothing and head coverings, and stay hydrated.
Incidents across the country
Fatalities were reported in over half of Poland’s voivodeships. In the Warmińsko‑Mazurskie region alone, four people drowned between Saturday and Sunday: a 28‑year‑old who fell off an air mattress on Lake Nawiady after drinking alcohol with friends; a 51‑year‑old who entered a forbidden swimming area in the Działdowo district; a 24‑year‑old who went into Lake Piaseczyńskie after consuming beer; and a 76‑year‑old who disappeared beneath the surface of Lake Regielskie. Rescuers pulled several other people from the water in the region and transported them to hospital.
In Międzywodzie on the Baltic coast, a 42‑year‑old father died attempting to save his two children. Police said he ran into the sea when the children got into difficulty. Both children survived, but rescuers were unable to revive the man after pulling him from the water.
Warnings from authorities
The RCB, police and water‑rescue services renewed calls to swim only at lifeguarded beaches, never enter the water after consuming alcohol or drugs, and avoid sudden immersion when the body is overheated. MOPR president Jarosław Sroka pointed to recent footage of a girl thrown from a speeding boat whose occupants wore no life jackets or buoyancy aids. “When doing water sports we should always wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid,” he said. He also advised cooling down gradually, for example by wetting a cap, rather than jumping straight into cold water.Water is an element – a moment of inattention can end in tragedy. Every year drownings occur that can be prevented.
Journalist Anna Kwaśny emphasised on TVN24 that drowning is often silent. “We lose orientation and look as though we are on an invisible ladder underwater. Forget the film images – we drown in silence,” she said. She urged people never to attempt solo rescues. “We cannot rescue on our own, even if it is our child. Look for something that extends your arm, call for help, phone the emergency services. Don’t do it by yourself.”
A longer view
- 2022
- 419
- 2023
- 450
- 2024
- 444
- 2025
- 292
