A new law in the Moscow region prohibits children under the age of 18 from swimming in bodies of water without adult supervision. Parents who violate this law will face fines ranging from 100 to 500 rubles.

The law was enacted in response to a surge in drowning incidents involving children. According to the Moscow Region Prosecutor’s Office, existing preventative measures were insufficient. In 2023, 27 children drowned in the region, followed by 31 in 2024, and seven since the start of 2025.

Officials attribute these tragedies to inadequate adult supervision and public indifference.

However, the new law has drawn mixed reactions from Moscow region residents. Some believe the fine is too lenient, while others question the practicality and necessity of such a measure.

Liya commented that the fine of 100 rubles is less than the price of coffee. Alexandra suggested raising the fine and running social advertisement.

Yulia questioned the logic of extending the restriction to all individuals under 18.

Lawyer Fedor Trusov has also criticized the law, questioning its enforceability. He raised concerns about monitoring compliance and suggested the law serves as a populist measure to shift responsibility from local services to parents.