In Tomsk region, tragic incident: Seven individuals met their demise by drowning.
In the recent press conference, Alexander Nikulin, the Deputy Head of EMERCOM for Tomsk Oblast, raised concerns over the safety of children swimming at unmarked recreational areas. Highlighting the importance of safety during this season, Nikulin urged parents and the public to keep a watchful eye on unsupervised young ones around water bodies.
Nikulin firmly stated, "It's crucial that we prioritize child safety around water bodies, especially during this time of year. While we have numerous children's camps, many children are left unsupervised. If you spot kids swimming without adult supervision, it's high time we stepped in to prevent any potential catastrophes."
Sadly, statistics revealed by Nikulin's colleague, Sergei Lukin, showcased the dire situation. In 2025, Tomsk Oblast reported seven drowning incidents, including a child from Kolpashevo and a teenager from Shegar District. Compared to the same period in 2024, the death toll increased from 11 to 18 individuals.
Despite the grim statistics, there's a glimmer of hope. This year, rescue operations managed to save four people, compared to six in the same period last year.
Lukin also emphasized the need for more equipped beaches in Tomsk city. He advocate for at least four beach facilities that adhere to safety regulations to cater to the growing demand for recreational water activities.
Incorporating best practices from rural areas in Russia, it's essential to ensure that children have proper supervision, swim competently or use life jackets, assess the water conditions carefully before allowing children to swim, prepare for emergencies, avoid risky swimming spots, and adhere to any local regulations that provide swim safety guidelines.
Always prioritize child safety when they're swimming, as accidents can happen in an instant. While explicit regulations for unsupervised swimming in Tomsk Oblast don't seem to be available, common safety practices from other Russian regions remain applicable.
Stay vigilant, parents and guardians! Your awareness might just save a life.
- Nikulin's call for vigilance extends beyond water safety, urging the public to also be aware of instances of unsupervised children participating in 'crime-and-justice' or 'sports' activities, especially in risky or unsupervised environments.
- In light of the increasing numbers of 'accidents' and drownings in Tomsk Oblast, it is essential to ensure that recreational areas for 'general-news' activities such as 'sports' and 'crime-and-justice' also have proper safety measures in place, not just swimming areas.
