# Drowning 2026: water safety for the whole family Drowning accidents have increased sharply in summer 2026, according to new figures from the Rescue Society. Here's how to keep your family safe in water – with a simple water-safety checklist. Canonical: https://samfunnprep.no/en/nyheter/drukning-badesikkerhet-sommer-2026 Language: en Publisher: SamfunnPrep Author: Hlib Suslov Published: 2026-07-15T19:42:38.73+00:00 Modified: 2026-10-03T10:53:39.942397+00:00 AI use policy: https://samfunnprep.no/ai-policy.txt ## Key takeaways - Sharp increase in 2026 43 people drowned in the first half of 2026, compared to 17 in the same period in 2025. In June, 16 drowned – one of the highest June figures in ten years. - Follow water safety rules Wear a life jacket, never swim alone, keep an eye on children, and avoid alcohol near water. Simple rules from the Rescue Society save lives. - Learn to swim There are free and affordable swimming lessons for children and adults in many municipalities. Being able to swim is the best safety in water. The number of drowning accidents has increased sharply in summer 2026, according to new figures from the Rescue Society. The most important thing you can do now: wear a life jacket, always keep an eye on children in water, and never swim alone or while intoxicated. Good water safety saves lives. ## The new figures from the Rescue Society The Rescue Society reports a sharp increase in drowning accidents. In the first half of 2026, 43 people drowned in Norway, compared to 17 in the same period in 2025. That is more than a doubling. In June alone, 16 people drowned – one of the highest June figures in ten years. Of the 16 in June, 9 died in accidents involving recreational boats or canoes, 5 while swimming, and 2 fell into the water from land. Almost all who have drowned this year were men, and many were over 60 years old. "This is deeply concerning. Behind every number are people and local communities who are deeply affected," says Tanja Krangnes, who works with drowning prevention at the Rescue Society. ## Why should families new to Norway be extra attentive? Because many adults and children who are new to Norway have never learned to swim. Norwegian summer means swimming, boat trips, and play by jetties and water – even for the smallest. If you or the children cannot swim, the danger increases quickly if someone falls in. The good news is that most drowning accidents can be avoided with a few simple rules. ## Water safety: a simple checklist These rules from the Rescue Society and Norwegian Lifeboat Society can save lives. Feel free to hang them up at home: - **Wear a life jacket** in boats, canoes, and kayaks – and on the jetty if the child cannot swim. The vest must fit the child's weight and have leg straps. - **Never swim alone.** Swim with others so you can help each other if something happens. - **Keep an eye on the children at all times.** Small children should always be within reach of an adult in and by the water. - **Do not swim while intoxicated.** Alcohol and water are a dangerous combination. - **Check the depth before you dive,** and swim along the shore – not far out alone. - **Learn to swim.** It is the best life insurance in water. ## What do you do if someone is in danger in the water? Call 113 immediately and call for help. Try to help from the shore – throw a life buoy, a rope, or something else that floats. Preferably do not jump in yourself if you are not a confident swimmer, because then you will be two in distress. If you need to know more about emergency care in Norway, you can read about [emergency care and emergency help](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/legevakt-og-akutt-hjelp-norge). ## Learn to swim – also as an adult There are free and affordable swimming lessons for both children and adults in many places in Norway, including through municipalities, sports clubs, and volunteer organizations. See our guide on [swimming in Norway for school and adults](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/svomming-i-norge-skole-og-voksne). If you cannot afford a life jacket, you can [borrow equipment for free at BUA](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/lane-utstyr-gratis-bua-norge). Preparedness and safety in water are part of the civic knowledge you need to live in Norway. On **SamfunnPrep** we gather practical information that helps new families feel safe – including in the Norwegian summer. ## FAQ ### How many people drowned in Norway in the first half of 2026? 43 people drowned in the first half of 2026, compared to 17 in the same period in 2025, according to the Rescue Society. In June alone, 16 people drowned. ### What are the most important water safety rules? Wear a life jacket, never swim alone, keep an eye on children at all times, do not swim while intoxicated, and learn to swim. ### Must children wear a life jacket when swimming? Children who cannot swim should wear a CE-certified life jacket with leg straps in boats and on jetties. The vest must fit the child's weight. ### What do I do if someone is in danger in the water? Call 113 immediately, call for help, and try to help from the shore by throwing a life buoy or something that floats. Preferably do not jump in yourself if you are not a confident swimmer. ### Are there swimming lessons for adults who are new to Norway? Yes. Many municipalities, sports clubs, and volunteer organizations offer free or affordable swimming lessons for both children and adults. ## Sources - [Drukningsstatistikk juni 2026 – pressemelding fra Redningsselskapet](https://kommunikasjon.ntb.no/pressemelding/18977782/15-personer-druknet-i-juni) - [Drukning – statistikk og badevett](https://rs.no/drukning/) - [Vettregler for bading og vann](https://www.livredning.no/vettregler) Citation: Hlib Suslov, "Drowning 2026: water safety for the whole family", SamfunnPrep, 2026-07-15T19:42:38.73+00:00, https://samfunnprep.no/en/nyheter/drukning-badesikkerhet-sommer-2026