Tragic day on the Vistula Spit: strong winds and rip currents lead to drownings
August 17, 2025, was a tragic day for beachgoers along the Vistula Spit. In just a few hours, two people lost their lives and one person was hospitalized.
In brief
Two people drowned and one was taken to hospital on the Vistula Spit on 17 August 2025. At 8:00 a.m. in Sztutowo, at beach entrance number 59, waves and rip currents swept away a 69-year-old woman, who could not be saved despite nearly 40 minutes of resuscitation. Around 2:00 p.m. in Stegna, at entrance number 64, a 48-year-old man died while rescuing his two teenage daughters. In Junoszyno, at entrance number 75, a drowning man was handed over to the Polish Medical Air Rescue. Red flags are in force on the beaches of the Vistula Spit.
Incidents in Sztutowo and Stegna
Early in the morning, around 8:00 am, a 69-year-old woman was wading near beach access no. 59 in Sztutowo when waves and rip currents swept her off her feet. Bystanders pulled her from the water and started CPR. Emergency services, including the air ambulance and rescue teams, took over, but despite nearly 40 minutes of resuscitation, she did not survive.
Around 2:00 pm, another incident occurred at beach access no. 64 in Stegna. A 48-year-old man went into the water to save his two teenage daughters caught in rip currents. The girls reached the shore safely, but the man struggled and was pulled from the water by witnesses. Rescue services, including the SAR station in Sztutowo, OSP Stegna, OSP Jantar, the medical rescue team, WOPR, and the air ambulance, tried to save him, but he did not survive.
In Junoszyno, near beach access no. 75, another man was rescued and, after first aid, taken to hospital by air ambulance.
Rescue services involved
- Sztutowo Coastal SAR Station
- OSP Stegna
- OSP Jantar
- Nowy Dwór Gdański County Fire Brigade
- Medical Rescue Team
- WOPR Stegna
- Air Ambulance
Authorities urge beachgoers to stay alert and follow all warning signs. Red flags are in effect along the Vistula Spit, indicating dangerous conditions due to strong winds and rip currents.
Police appeal
Young ASP Karolina Figiel, press officer at Nowy Dwór Gdański Police, said:
- Never enter the water when a red flag is displayed.
- Always follow lifeguards’ instructions.
- Be especially careful on unguarded beaches.
These incidents show how dangerous waves and rip currents can be, even in shallow water. Quick action by witnesses and coordination between rescue units is key to saving lives.
Daily Mare reminds everyone that safety near water depends on vigilance. Always watch warning signs and follow lifeguards’ instructions.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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