Bathing season ends: 35 people drowned to death on Israel's beaches

The 2026 bathing season ended with 35 fatal drownings on Israel's beaches, an increase from 31 last year. Most cases occurred at beaches where swimming is prohibited or without lifeguard services. The Ministry of Interior published data indicating a rising trend in drownings.

The 2026 bathing season ended with 35 drownings on Israel's beaches, an increase from 31 in 2025 and 34 in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Interior. The season opened on April 9 due to the security situation and Home Front Command directives, and ended on October 10. Twenty people drowned at beaches declared off-limits for swimming, six at beaches without status, and four at declared beaches outside lifeguard operating hours. Only five fatal cases occurred at declared beaches during lifeguard service hours. Most cases occurred in the Mediterranean Sea (31), with two in the Red Sea, one in the Sea of Galilee, and one in the Dead Sea. Among the deceased, 31 were men and four were women. During the season, 160 declared bathing beaches operated, and in winter, 85 beaches with lifeguard services are expected to operate. The Ministry of Interior allocated approximately 35.5 million shekels for beach development and accessibility. The ministry's director general, Israel Ozen, emphasized the importance of swimming at declared beaches during lifeguard operating hours.