Croatian Red Cross warns of rising drowning deaths as 16 drown this summer

Croatian Red Cross drowning deaths World Drowning Prevention Day Osijek Copacabana beach

The Croatian Red Cross (HCK) reports that drowning continues to claim many lives in Croatia. Between 2014 and 2024 more than 840 people died from drowning, with 68 deaths recorded in 2023 and 76 in 2024. In the current summer season the toll has already reached 16 victims.

Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, HCK and the City Red Cross Society of Osijek will hold a central event at the Copacabana beach in Osijek from 16:00 to 19:00. The programme includes public education sessions, demonstrations of rescue equipment, first‑aid workshops, games and a live rescue drill performed with the Osijek Swimming Club. Organisers aim to raise awareness of the main risk factors – alcohol‑related swimming, unsupervised children, over‑confidence and solitary swimming – and to promote safer behaviour around water.