Turkey bans swimming in lakes and canals in Adıyaman and Van provinces over rising drownings

The governor of Adıyaman announced a province‑wide prohibition on entering irrigation channels, dam reservoirs, rivers and other uncontrolled water bodies after a surge in drowning incidents, many involving children and teenagers. Since January 2021 the province recorded 43 drownings with 33 fatalities; in the first half of 2026 alone three people died. The ban covers major sites such as Atatürk Dam, Çamgazi Dam, the Euphrates River and numerous local lakes, with authorities warning that violations will be penalised under the Administrative Offences Law.

Similarly, the district governor of Muradiye in Van Province issued a ban on swimming in the shores of Lake Van and all internal waters, including bays, dams, ponds and irrigation channels. The measure aims to prevent further drownings during the summer months. Officials stressed that no safe swimming areas are designated and that non‑compliance will attract administrative fines under the same legal framework.