Drownings at Israeli beaches nearing last year’s total
Halfway through the 2023 beach season, the number of drownings in Israel is approaching the total for all of last year, according to the Knesset’s Information and Research Centre.
Israelis enjoy the beach on a hot summer day in Tel Aviv, June 2, 2023. Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90
A total of 21 people died between March 29 and July 10 compared to 26 in last year’s entire bathing season. This year’s season lasts until Oct. 14.
MK Ya’akov Asher (United Torah Judaism), chairman of the Knesset Internal Affairs and Environment Committee, commissioned the report, which was to be presented on Sunday at a committee meeting with lawmakers examining ways to reduce the number of fatalities.
“The trend that emerges from the report is that we are already facing a number of deaths approaching the number accumulated last year as a whole. This requires drawing conclusions and taking immediate actions,” said Asher.
Most of the deaths occurred on unauthorised beaches or at times when no lifeguard was on duty. According to the report, bathing is permitted at 156 beaches, just 7% of the beaches in Israel.
“Thanks to publicising and increasing the number of authorised beaches, we can save human lives,” Asher said.
The report comes amid a major heat wave sending many people in search of water to cool off.
The highest temperatures of 38°-43°C (100°-109°F) were recorded in southern Israel and the Jordan Valley.
The heat wave, which is affecting the eastern Mediterranean region as well as the Balkans and much of Europe, is expected to continue throughout the week.
JNS
