Berlin, June 27, 2026 – Two people have died in separate drowning incidents in Berlin on Saturday, as the city grapples with a scorching heatwave. One person drowned in the Jungfernheide public park, despite a swimming ban, and another was found lifeless in the Tempelhofer Hafen. These incidents bring the total number of fatal drowning accidents in Berlin and its surroundings to four within a few days.
Man Dies in Jungfernheide Despite Swimming Ban
Around 1 p.m. on Saturday, emergency services were called to Volkspark Jungfernheide after bathers discovered a man floating motionless in the water. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by first responders and paramedics, the man succumbed at the scene. He had reportedly suffered a circulatory arrest. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.
Fatal Discovery in Tempelhofer Hafen
Later the same day, a deceased person was found in the Tempelhofer Hafen. Police confirmed to Berliner Morgenpost that the individual was found dead, and initial indications suggest drowning as the cause. Witnesses reported seeing the man undress, calmly enter the water, and swim a few laps before he was later seen floating lifelessly. Passersby, along with the police, pulled the body from the water at Ordensmeisterstraße. Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. A police spokesperson stated that a death investigation has been launched, with a shock, heart attack, or circulatory collapse being considered as possible causes.
Previous Tragedies: Krumme Lanke and Wandlitzsee
These latest incidents follow two other fatal drownings earlier in the week. On Thursday, a 17-year-old boy drowned in Krumme Lanke, southwest Berlin, in front of his classmates. He was underwater for a significant period before resurfacing lifeless. Despite rescue efforts and hospitalization, he later died. His 15 classmates, who were with him at the time, received support.
Last Sunday, a 29-year-old man drowned in Wandlitzsee in Brandenburg after falling from a stand-up paddleboard. He was on the board with his daughter, who was rescued. His wife witnessed the tragic event. Fire and rescue services recovered his body after a two-hour search operation.
Lifeguard Warnings: Exercise Extreme Caution
In response to the rising number of incidents, lifeguards in Brandenburg are urging bathers to be exceptionally careful during the ongoing heatwave. Robert Büschel of the DLRG Brandenburg state association advised in an interview with ‘rbb’ that individuals should enter the water slowly and cautiously, especially when temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius and even higher in direct sunlight.
Büschel emphasized that people with pre-existing conditions and cardiovascular weaknesses should be even more careful. “Anyone who has been lying in the scorching heat should not just jump into the water,” he warned. He also stressed the critical importance of supervising children near water, stating, “If you go to the water with children: Keep an eye on your children!” He added that parents should be close enough to non-swimmers or small children to intervene immediately if necessary.
Heat-Related Incidents at Columbiabad
The intensity of the heatwave also led to other health emergencies. On Saturday, two women at the Columbiabad in Berlin-Kreuzberg suffered heatstroke and required treatment from the fire department. One of them was transported to a hospital.
The authorities and rescue services continue to stress the dangers of swimming in unauthorized areas and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, especially during extreme weather conditions.
