The Israeli child safety organization Beterem reported that 18 children and teens have drowned so far in 2026, compared to 2 in the same period last year — a 5.5-fold increase. The data was published by N12.
The Israeli child safety organization Beterem reported on Tuesday that 18 children and teens have drowned in Israel since the start of 2026, a 5.5-fold increase from the two drowning deaths recorded in the same period last year. The data was published by N12 correspondent Itai Gal-On.
The Zioneer has previously covered Beterem's reports on child safety, including a mid-year report showing 64 children killed in all accidents in the first half of 2026 — a 36% rise from the previous year. The organization has also warned about the dangers of swimming at unmarked beaches and without lifeguard supervision.
The sharp increase in drowning deaths underscores ongoing public safety concerns during the summer swimming season. Further details on the ages and circumstances of the victims have not been released.
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