Israel Reports 58 Drownings in 2026 Swimming Season, MADA Data Shows

During the 2026 swimming season in Israel, which ran from April 9 to October 10, a total of 58 people drowned, according to data released by the MADA (Israel's national emergency medical service) on October 11. An additional 203 individuals required medical assistance following water-related incidents. Among the fatalities were nine children under 10 years old and seven teenagers aged 10 to 19. MADA teams provided aid to 261 people rescued from beaches, swimming pools, and other bodies of water. Of the total rescued, 26 were pronounced dead at the scene, while 32 died in hospitals. The remaining individuals included one in critical condition, 15 in serious condition, 22 in moderate condition, and 165 in mild condition.

Compared to the previous year, the overall number of water-related incidents decreased by 9%, with 287 people needing assistance in the 2025 season. However, the number of fatalities increased by one, from 57 to 58. Men constituted 72% of all those affected, while women made up 28%.

The Mediterranean Sea saw the highest number of incidents with 143, followed by the Dead Sea with 11, the Red Sea with five, and the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) with four. Public and private swimming pools each recorded 36 incidents. Children under 10 were particularly vulnerable, accounting for 23.9% of those affected. Nine children in this age group drowned, and 66 received medical attention. Most incidents involving young children occurred in swimming pools rather than the sea.

Teenagers aged 10 to 19 accounted for another 20.3% of incidents, with seven fatalities and 45 requiring medical aid. Unlike younger children, the majority of incidents involving this age group happened on Mediterranean Sea beaches, with 33 cases, including three deaths. "Behind every number is a person and a family whose lives have changed in an instant. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, so one must not be complacent about the dangers of water," stated MADA Director General Eli Bin. He urged the public to swim only at officially designated beaches during lifeguard hours, follow instructions, and constantly supervise children near water, emphasizing that prevention is the best way to combat drownings.