Kahramanmaraş heat pushes locals to natural cool spots amid safety warnings

Rising summer temperatures in Kahramanmaraş have led residents to seek relief at natural sites such as Küçükcerit Gözü in the Çağlayancerit district. The spring‑fed pool, shaded by trees and surrounded by green scenery, has become a popular weekend destination for families, youth and nature lovers looking for a respite from the city’s heat.

Local authorities warn that the surge in visitors to rivers, lakes, irrigation canals and similar water bodies carries significant drowning risks. Mehmet Kademoğlu, a swimming instructor and lifeguard at the municipal indoor pool, stressed that “uncontrolled waters can have sudden currents, unexpected deepening and lack of lifeguards, increasing the danger of drowning.” He urged people to use supervised municipal or private pools, noting that roughly 2,500 students have already been trained in swimming safety. A recent tragedy was highlighted when a citizen said, “Two days ago we lost another sibling,” reinforcing the call for safer swimming environments.