Fourteen-year-old boy dies after drowning at Suwałki's Arkadia reservoir

On 24 June 2026, a 14‑year‑old boy was found struggling in the water of the Arkadia reservoir in Suwałki, Poland. He entered the water partially clothed, lost buoyancy, and disappeared beneath the surface. Rescue services arrived after about 20 minutes and extracted him; initial resuscitation on shore restored his heartbeat, but he later died in hospital around midnight.

Mayor Czesław Renkiewicz announced that, although the public bathing area was scheduled to open on 1 July, the tragedy prompted an immediate decision to place the reservoir under permanent lifeguard supervision. The city’s Sports and Recreation Department has implemented emergency procedures and adjusted staffing to ensure constant monitoring during peak hours.