Serbian rescue expert warns of drowning risk at unsafe swimming sites

Rescue specialist Dragan Kerkez says the primary danger in recent river and lake tragedies is not high water temperature but swimming at locations that are not designated for bathing. He stresses that children should never be left unsupervised at such spots, and calls for stronger public awareness campaigns and stricter safety standards for bathing areas.

Medical experts explain that drowning occurs when water blocks the nose and mouth, cutting off oxygen to the brain and heart. This quickly leads to loss of strength, disorientation, and can cause irreversible brain damage or cardiac arrest if rescue is delayed. Even strong swimmers can be caught off‑guard by currents, fatigue, or sudden health issues. The World Health Organization reports over 235,000 drowning deaths worldwide each year, many involving people who can swim, underscoring the need for better education and supervision.