Israel's 2026 Swimming Season Ends With 35 Drowning Fatalities
The 2026 swimming season in Israel ended with 35 drowning fatalities, with the majority occurring at unauthorized beaches or outside lifeguard hours, according to the Ministry of Interior.
The 2026 swimming season concluded with 35 drowning fatalities along Israel's coastline, compared to 31 in 2025 and 34 in 2024, according to data released by the Ministry of Interior. The season, which opened on April 9 due to security conditions and Home Front Command guidelines, officially ended on October 10.
According to the Ministry's Bathing Beaches Division, 20 people drowned at unauthorized beaches, six at beaches with no status, and four at authorized beaches outside lifeguard operating hours. Only five fatal drownings occurred at authorized beaches during active lifeguard hours.
Most fatal incidents occurred in the Mediterranean Sea, recording 31 deaths. Two people drowned in the Red Sea, one in the Sea of Galilee, and one in the Dead Sea. Among the 35 victims, 31 were men and four were women.
During the season, 160 authorized bathing beaches operated nationwide. Throughout the winter, 85 beaches are expected to maintain active lifeguard services. The Ministry of Interior noted that approximately 35.5 million shekels were allocated this year for beach development, accessibility, and safety improvements.
