A surge in drowning incidents, including several child fatalities, has prompted serious concerns about water safety in St. Petersburg, particularly in the Vyborgsky district. Upper Suzdal Lake, a popular swimming spot, has been dubbed the “lake of death” by rescuers due to the high number of drownings this summer.

Since the start of the swimming season, five children have drowned in the city, all within the Vyborgsky district. This alarming statistic has raised questions about the safety measures in place at local bodies of water.

Upper Suzdal Lake’s unpredictable status, fluctuating between being deemed suitable for swimming and being removed from the list, has not deterred crowds from gathering to sunbathe and swim. Rescuers are constantly working to prevent swimmers from going beyond the buoys, but incidents continue to occur.

On July 18, four people nearly drowned in Upper Suzdal Lake, including a young woman and three children who were rescued. Eyewitness accounts describe a girl being swept into deep water by a wave from a boat and a teenage boy struggling to stay afloat while trying to help a friend. Tragically, a 19-year-old young man drowned in the same lake that evening.

Over the following two days, three more young men died in separate incidents across St. Petersburg, while a woman and a five-year-old child were rescued from Upper Suzdal Lake. Another incident involved a 24-year-old man who suffered a head injury after diving into the water and hitting the bottom. Two sisters, aged 11 and 14, drowned in Upper Suzdal Lake late in the evening of July 24.

The sudden shift from cool weather to extreme heat has contributed to the problem, with people rushing to the water without considering safety precautions. Divers have found no dangerous objects at the bottom of Upper Suzdal Lake, but sharp depth changes and cold springs pose risks to swimmers. These factors can lead to cramps, respiratory issues, and even cardiac arrest, especially when combined with panic.

Authorities acknowledge the issue, with the head of the search and rescue service of St. Petersburg noting that all child drownings have occurred in the Vyborgsky district. A recent amendment to the Water Code of the Russian Federation has abolished previous safety regulations, and new laws are still being developed.

District administrations are responsible for preparing beaches for the swimming season. However, the administration of the Vyborgsky district is accused of not fully complying with safety regulations, such as installing information stands with depth maps and safety guidelines.

The administration claims to maintain the beaches and provide information boards, but officials admit that the beaches are overloaded due to the hot weather. With thousands of people flocking to the beaches daily, it becomes challenging to ensure everyone’s safety, especially those who consume alcohol, swim long distances, or leave children unattended.

To address the issue, authorities are considering measures such as restricting access to beaches after dark and establishing beach categories to limit the number of people allowed at one time. They are also exploring the possibility of including “places of mass recreation” in the list of official beaches to ensure proper supervision and safety measures.

Experts emphasize the importance of responsible behavior near water, including avoiding alcohol consumption and ensuring constant supervision of children. They urge people to be aware of the risks and to prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies.