Mazowieckie marks danger zones to curb drownings in rivers

The Mazowieckie regional government, together with the provincial police (WOPR), has identified and marked 32 "black water points" where past drownings occurred. The effort focuses on rivers and other unprotected water bodies in Warsaw and surrounding counties, aiming to warn the public and reduce the 30 fatalities recorded in the region last year, especially among adult men during the summer.

Since 2016 the province has allocated a total of 7.6 million zł to support water‑rescue organisations, including purchases of drones, water‑scooters, portable radios, AEDs and evacuation trailers. In 2023 an additional 1.4 million zł was earmarked for 15 rescue groups, with nearly 560 thousand zł directed to Warsaw‑area organisations. Officials stress that education, equipment and rapid police‑rescuer cooperation are essential to prevent further tragedies.