Swimming Season Ends With 35 Drownings, Ministry Reports

The 2026 swimming season in Israel concluded with 35 reported drowning deaths, according to data released by the Ministry of Interior's Beaches Department. The season, which began later than usual on April 9, 2026, due to security concerns and Home Front Command directives, officially ended on October 10, 2026. The majority of drownings, 20 incidents, occurred at beaches declared unsafe for swimming. Six people drowned at beaches without official status, and four more at declared beaches outside of lifeguard operating hours. Five drownings happened at declared beaches during lifeguard hours.

Compared to previous years, 31 people drowned in 2025 and 34 in 2024. The majority of the 2026 fatalities, 31, were recorded along the Mediterranean coast, with two in the Red Sea, one in the Sea of Galilee, and one in the Dead Sea. The victims were predominantly male, with 31 men and 4 women. Of the deceased, 17 were over 46 years old, and 9 were between 19 and 45.

The Ministry of Interior allocated approximately NIS 35.5 million for the development, accessibility, and upgrading of beaches, including the procurement of rescue equipment and safety measures. Alongside infrastructure improvements, the ministry conducted a comprehensive public awareness campaign, including sector-specific initiatives, to highlight the dangers of unsafe swimming and promote life-saving practices.

Israel Oz'an, Director General of the Ministry of Interior, emphasized the importance of swimming at designated beaches during lifeguard hours. He stated that the ministry is committed to improving beach infrastructure, accessibility, and safety measures in cooperation with local authorities, aiming to enhance public services and ensure a safer, more accessible experience. The 2027 swimming season is scheduled to open on April 14, 2027.