Tragedies on Odesa Beaches: Safety During Recreation
On August 10, Odesa faced two tragic incidents: during swimming at the coastline of the Karolino-Buhaz community and in Zatoka due to mine explosions, three vacationers lost their lives—a woman and two men. This isn't the first occurrence this summer: on July 7 in Zatoka, two men died from a similar explosion. These tragedies remind us once again that swimming is only allowed at officially designated beaches. There, diving inspections are carried out, lifeguard stations are established, and lifeguards are on duty. According to the order of the head of the Odesa regional military administration, beaches can only be opened after completing safety measures and receiving an act from the Odesa RDA. Currently, swimming is officially permitted on 30 sites in Odesa and two beaches in the region—the Central City beach in Chornomorsk and the beach in the village of Prymorske.
Yaroslav Bohachenko, head of the engineering protection department of the Odesa city council, stated that regular inspections are conducted at Odesa's beaches. If a beach is found to be operating without official permission, reports are filed, and the police are called. The city council can initiate contract termination through court. The Odesa city council emphasizes that swimming is safe only at officially opened beaches that have all necessary permits.
Position of the State Emergency Service
As explained by Oleksandr Kolosiuk, spokesperson for the State Emergency Service of Odesa, beaches where swimming is prohibited remain hazardous due to possible mining and lack of lifeguard posts. “We conduct preventive measures, informing people about the dangers of swimming in prohibited areas. You should only relax at official beaches,” he added.
Main water safety rules:
- Swim only in officially designated water bodies.
- Do not swim alone.
- Do not swim beyond the buoys.
- Be cautious on inflatable mattresses.
Pay attention to signs:
- “Swimming prohibited”
- “Diving prohibited”
Categorically prohibited:
- Recreational activities at spontaneous beaches.
- Diving in unfamiliar locations.
Statistics: since the beginning of 2025, 16 people have died at Odesa's waters, five of them due to explosions. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety rules.
