The price of carelessness is a child's life: what water is silent about

May 19, 2026

Water is alluring and mesmerizing. On a hot day, it's hard to resist the temptation to dive in or simply splash around by the shore. But behind this attractive surface lies a real threat, especially for those who cannot yet swim or do not fully realize the risks. Every swimming season brings news that makes one shudder. Let's figure out how to turn a water holiday into joy, not disaster.

With the onset of heat, reservoirs become the main place of attraction. For kids, splashing in a river or lake is a favorite pastime, and for parents, it's an opportunity to distract themselves from worries for at least a short while.
But adults often forget: a seemingly harmless rest on the shore can turn into a disaster. Statistics, alas, reflect reality – every season brings news of new tragedies. The reasons are banal: lack of supervision, excessive self-confidence, chance.
EMERCOM employees raise particular concern with the arrival of holidays and warm weather. In hot weather, water is the "best friend" and main salvation for many people. It is especially attractive to children, for whom splashing, swimming, or simply fooling around is a vivid way of summer leisure.
Water bodies become the most popular and accessible places for recreation. Every day, their coastal areas are dotted with hundreds of families actively and cheerfully spending their free time. However, such seemingly ordinary recreation can end in tragedy.
Unfortunately, every day the statistics are replenished with new cases of child drowning. Adult negligence, instilled independence, absurd chance – all these are among the causes of accidents.
In the Gomel region, since the beginning of the swimming season, a tragic incident involving a minor has already been registered.
On 05/16/2026, a teenager born in 2011 drowned in a lake near the village of Drozd, Mozyr district. It is known that a group of children was resting by the reservoir, which is not intended for swimming. One of them decided to dive in but could not get out. The causes of the incident are being established.
This story is another reminder that water does not forgive mistakes!

What should adults remember?

If you are vacationing with a child, your main task is constant supervision and setting a personal example. Remember a few simple but vitally important rules:
• Do not allow situations where a child is near a body of water alone;
• Supervise the child when they are playing on the shore, do not lose sight of them;
• Enter the water with the child gradually – sudden immersion can provoke heart rhythm disturbances and convulsions;
• Do not allow the child to get cold, alternate playing on the shore with swimming;
• Do not allow the child to dive from railings or the shore;
• Explain to children that they should not fool around in the water. And do not fool around yourself – children imitate adults, so a personal example is very important.
• And be sure to put a life jacket on the child!
Parents, do not forget about yourselves! It is no less important for you to follow safety rules to protect your loved ones from the heavy burden of grief and loss.