Drowning cases in Azerbaijan fall by 13% during swimming season

The number of drowning cases in Azerbaijan during the swimming season has decreased by 13%, according to Akshin Alilli, head of the Public Relations Department of the State Service for Control of Small Vessels and Water Rescue under the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Speaking to Report, Alilli said the bodies of 64 people had been recovered from water at locations not designated for swimming during the period this year. The figure stood at 85 during the same period last year, representing a decrease of about 25%.

He added that rescuers had recovered the bodies of 59 people from the water during the current swimming season, compared with 68 during the same period last year - a decrease of approximately 13%.

"Of these, only 29 people drowned directly while swimming. According to the preliminary investigation, the other cases occurred for various reasons, including negligence, fishing and other factors," Alilli said.

According to the official, in 2026, 23 people drowned in the sea, three in lakes, five in rivers, 18 in irrigation canals and five in reservoirs.

"Overall, drowning incidents occurred in uncontrolled locations that are not designated for swimming. The main causes were swimming in windy weather and rough seas, entering water bodies after consuming alcohol, leaving children and teenagers unattended, and swimming in irrigation canals, rivers, artificial lakes and other bodies of water not intended for swimming," Alilli noted.

He also said that searches have been ongoing since July for three people who drowned in the sea.