MDA Reports 58 Drowning Deaths During Israel's 2026 Swimming Season

During the 2026 swimming season, which lasted from April until yesterday (Saturday), 58 people drowned to death in Israel, according to data released by Magen David Adom (MDA). MDA medical teams provided emergency treatment to 287 individuals who were pulled from the water at beaches, pools, and water reservoirs across the country.

According to the MDA report, 261 people suffered from non-fatal or fatal submersion incidents—representing a 9% decrease in total drowning victims compared to 2025. Out of the total fatalities, 26 victims were pulled from the water without signs of life, while another 32 were evacuated to hospitals where their deaths were subsequently pronounced.

Children and minors accounted for a disproportionately high share of the incidents. Nearly 24% of all drowning victims (75 cases) were toddlers and children up to the age of 10, while roughly 20% (52 cases) were children and teenagers up to age 19. Geographically, 143 drowning incidents occurred in the Mediterranean Sea, 11 in the Dead Sea, 5 in the Red Sea, and 4 in the Sea of Galilee. Furthermore, 36 incidents took place in private pools, matching the number recorded in public pools. An additional 14 people drowned in resort pools, one in an ornamental pond at an event venue, and 11 in natural water reservoirs, including the Jordan River, streams, and Sachne.

MDA Director-General Eli Bin commented on the figures, stating: "Behind every such number stands a person and a family whose lives changed in an instant. Drowning can occur swiftly and silently, which is why the dangers of water must never be taken lightly." Bin added that MDA deployed specialized all-terrain vehicles and rescue boats during the season, urging the public to swim only at authorized beaches during lifeguard hours and to maintain strict supervision over children near water.