Iraq interior ministry warns against swimming in rivers amid rising water levels

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Interior Ministry on Tuesday warned against swimming in rivers and unofficial areas, saying higher water levels this year pose additional risks to residents, particularly young people.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Ali said the winter season saw an “unusual rise” in water levels, increasing the dangers of swimming in rivers and non-designated areas, according to the state-owned Iraqi News Agency.

River police continue to conduct patrols throughout the year to monitor random swimming activities, alongside civil defense rescue teams and emergency patrols deployed in Baghdad and other governorates, he said.

Ali said swimming in unofficial locations poses serious risks because of underwater obstacles and increased river depths, which he said now exceed 20 meters in some areas compared with previous depths ranging from around 3 meters and above.

He said the Interior Ministry is continuing awareness campaigns during the summer through seminars, educational videos and public service announcements to warn about the dangers of unsafe swimming.

Ali also urged families to monitor their children and prevent them from swimming in non-designated areas, calling on residents to use regulated swimming locations equipped with rescue teams.

The warning comes as Iraq faces fluctuating water conditions after years of drought and declining rainfall. Iraq’s water reserves in 2025 fell to their lowest levels in 80 years following a dry rainy season, according to the Water Resources Ministry. However, the country is recovering this year due to increased rainfall.

With intense summer heat, many Iraqis turn to rivers and dams to cool off, but drowning remains common, especially among young people with limited swimming experience who underestimate river currents and deep water.