At least 70 people have drowned in Poland since the beginning of June, authorities said, as record-breaking temperatures drove thousands to lakes and rivers before violent storms swept across much of the country.
Police and emergency services have urged the public to exercise caution following a sharp rise in water-related fatalities during one of the country’s hottest periods on record.
According to official police statistics, most of the drownings occurred at unguarded swimming areas, rivers and lakes. Authorities said many victims entered the water to escape the extreme heat, while others underestimated strong currents or swam in unsupervised locations.
Police and the Government Security Centre have repeatedly advised people to use designated bathing areas, avoid alcohol while swimming and closely supervise children near water.