Eight people lost their lives in drowning incidents across Latvia during the extended Midsummer holiday weekend, the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) reported on June 25, 2026.
“Unfortunately, we must say that this long holiday weekend has turned out to be quite tragic for the rescue service,” said Ilmārs Pūce, the on-duty operations officer at the Operational Management Division of VUGD. The victims included both adults and children, with incidents occurring in various bodies of water across the country.
VUGD urged the public to exercise caution near water, especially after consuming alcohol, and to supervise children at all times. The service also reminded that swimming in unauthorized or unguarded areas increases the risk of drowning.
