Slovakia records multiple drownings as heat wave raises water safety concerns

Police in Slovakia recorded six drowning deaths over two days during a heat wave, highlighting the heightened risk of water‑related accidents.

The victims included a 37‑year‑old man whose body was recovered by a diver from the Kanianka reservoir in the Prievidza district, a 54‑year‑old man found dead in a lake near the village of Réca, and other fatalities at lakes in the Bratislava region. Police investigations are ongoing, and a criminal prosecution for negligent homicide has been opened in the Kanianka case.

Authorities warned, "Polícia upozorňuje verejnosť na zvýšené riziko tragických udalostí pri vodných plochách počas horúcich letných dní," urging the public to avoid swimming under the influence of alcohol, not to overestimate swimming abilities, and to use supervised or guarded bathing sites. The series of incidents underscores the need for responsible behaviour around water during the summer heat.