Two Young Belgians Die in Open Water: A Father’s Warning
Two young Belgians have died in separate open water incidents during a severe heat wave, prompting renewed safety warnings from authorities and a poignant plea from a grieving father. “Don’t leave your family behind for that one dive,” Veysel Altuntas told De Morgen, after losing his son in a drowning accident.
A Recurring Summer Tragedy
The incidents occurred as temperatures across Belgium soared past 30 degrees Celsius, driving residents to seek relief in lakes, rivers, and quarry ponds. One of the drownings took place at Het Greven (also known as ‘t Greven), a former gravel pit turned into a deep-water lake on the border of Lanklaar and Eisden in Maasmechelen, Limburg province. Swimming is strictly prohibited at the site, yet the prohibition is frequently ignored during hot weather.
De Morgen journalist Paul Notelteirs, who covers socially relevant themes, reported that every summer, Belgians lose their lives while seeking cooling in open water. “A refreshing dive is so tempting at these temperatures that it’s easy to forget how dangerous it can be,” the article notes.
A Father’s Unbearable Loss
Veysel Altuntas, the father of one of the victims, shared his grief in a stark warning to others. “We still had so many dreams for him,” he said, according to the report. His son is one of at least two young people who died in separate incidents, though the exact identities and locations of all victims have not been fully disclosed.
The tragedy at Het Greven is not an isolated event. In August 2020, 19-year-old Abdulbaki Altuntas — also bearing the same surname and from the same town of Maasmechelen — drowned at the same location while swimming with friends. According to De Jonge Turken, the water at Het Greven reaches depths of up to six meters with a muddy bottom, making rescue efforts extremely difficult.
The Hidden Dangers of Open Water
Open water swimming presents risks that are often underestimated, especially during heat waves. Unlike supervised swimming pools, natural waters can hide unpredictable depths, underwater obstacles such as rocks and debris, strong currents, and temperature shock from cold water even on scorching days.
As the Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported in a recent analysis of inland water drownings, experts warn that swimmers often have “no idea of what lies beneath the water.” Kuils, mud, stones, plants, and invisible undercurrents can turn a refreshing dip into a deadly trap.
A Broader European Crisis
The drownings in Belgium are part of a wider pattern across Europe during the summer of 2026. In France, at least 131 people have drowned since mid-June while seeking cooling during extreme heat. On July 8, a 43-year-old Belgian man drowned in Wimereux, France, while attempting to rescue two brothers from strong currents — a stark reminder that even experienced swimmers can be overwhelmed by natural water conditions.
What Can Be Done?
Safety experts argue that more needs to be done to prevent these tragedies. In the Netherlands, where approximately 100 to 146 people drown annually — about three-quarters in open water — researchers point to a lack of public education about the specific dangers of natural water bodies. Unlike swimming pools, where conditions are controlled and lifeguards are present, many popular swimming spots in lakes and rivers have no professional supervision.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution: swim only in designated areas, never swim alone, and be aware of the risks before entering natural waters.
A Message That Must Be Heard
As Belgium swelters through another heat wave, the message from a heartbroken father resonates with painful urgency. “Don’t leave your family behind for that one dive.” It is a warning born of unimaginable loss — and one that authorities hope will save lives in the summers to come.