Another drowning on the Baltic coast highlights urgent need for caution
A 49-year-old man has died after a prolonged rescue effort at an unguarded beach on Poland’s Baltic Sea coast. Despite a 60-minute resuscitation attempt involving multiple emergency units, the man could not be saved. Authorities warn: most summer drownings occur outside designated, supervised swimming areas.
In brief
A 49-year-old man drowned while swimming on an unguarded stretch of coast at Lubiatowo in Wejherowo county. Resuscitation carried out by firefighters from the County Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Wejherowo, volunteers of the Kopalino Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Polish Medical Air Rescue from Gdańsk, Gniewino WOPR and the Maritime Search and Rescue Service SAR lasted 60 minutes and was unsuccessful. According to Gniewino WOPR, the man disappeared under water about 100 metres from the unguarded bathing area.
The incident occurred in Wejherowo County, at a location with no official lifeguard presence. Rescue units from the State Fire Service (PSP), volunteer firefighters from OSP Kopalino, the Polish Police, the local water rescue team from Gniewino (WOPR), and the LPR air ambulance from Gdańsk all responded. CPR was performed continuously for an hour, but without success.
With tourist activity at its seasonal peak, Polish maritime authorities are once again calling for increased vigilance at the seaside.
- The sea is not a swimming pool. Underwater currents, shifting weather, and a false sense of security can lead to tragedy in seconds, said Sebastian Kluska, director of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (MSPiR/SAR). - Once again, and with all due respect, we issue a humble but urgent appeal for greater caution and common sense.
While dozens of supervised beaches operate along the Polish coast during summer, many people continue to choose remote or unofficial swimming spots. According to SAR data, such choices are a leading cause of fatalities.
Daily Mare joins maritime and rescue services in reminding all coastal visitors:
- Swim only at lifeguarded beaches
- Never enter the sea under the influence of alcohol
- Always keep children within arm’s reach
- Do not overestimate your swimming abilities in open water
Every life is worth protecting. Every drowning is preventable.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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