Drava River hits record low, posing hidden dangers to swimmers

The Drava River near Osijek is experiencing historically low water levels, drawing crowds of swimmers eager to cool off. However, emergency services are issuing stern warnings, emphasizing that the seemingly calm, shallow waters can be dangerously deceptive.

Ana Nemet Đurđević from the Osijek branch of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) cautioned, "Low water levels might mislead people into thinking the Drava is safe and harmless for swimming. But we must understand that this is an extremely dynamic environment. Even if we don't see it, all sorts of things are happening beneath the surface." She highlighted the river's murkiness, which prevents visibility of the riverbed and makes judging depth impossible.

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Low water levels might mislead people into thinking the Drava is safe and harmless for swimming. But we must understand that this is an extremely dynamic environment. Even if we don't see it, all sorts of things are happening beneath the surface.

Nemet Đurđević stressed the unpredictable nature of the riverbed, noting that shallow areas can quickly give way to deep pits. "Just one step can lead you to a hole or depth that will surprise you," she warned. She contrasted the dangers of natural waterways with the relative safety of swimming pools, which offer controlled environments with known depths, water quality, and lifeguard services.

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Just one step can lead you to a hole or depth that will surprise you.

For those choosing to swim in natural bodies of water, the HGSS advises extreme caution. "Be careful and do not overestimate your abilities," Nemet Đurđević urged. She recommended swimming only at designated river beaches where the water is generally calmer and more stable. Additionally, swimmers should avoid alcohol, inform others of their plans, never swim alone, and familiarize themselves with the specific location before entering the water.

The record low water levels, which have persisted for days, pose an ecological problem and a significant risk to swimmers. While the last comparable low was in 2022, and before that in 1965, the current prolonged period of low water is unprecedented, forcing fish to seek deeper waters and move towards the Danube.

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Be careful and do not overestimate your abilities.