Estonia’s Rescue Board has launched the “Sõbrakaitse” campaign, encouraging people to protect their friends by keeping anyone who has consumed alcohol away from the water. Summer brings swimming, boating and gatherings by lakes and the sea, but alcohol can quickly turn these activities into life-threatening situations.

Even a small amount of alcohol can slow reaction time, impair judgement and create false confidence. A person who has been drinking may overestimate their swimming ability, become tired more quickly, lose coordination and fail to recognise danger. The Rescue Board warns that not only severe intoxication, but also mild intoxication or a hangover can make entering the water dangerous.

The campaign asks friends to look after one another and intervene before an accident happens. People are encouraged to persuade an intoxicated friend to remain on shore, suggest another activity and agree that at least one person in the group will stay sober. The message is simple: having the courage to step in and have one difficult conversation could save a life.

The warning is supported by serious figures. In 2025, 30 people died in water-related accidents in Estonia, and 68% of those who died had consumed alcohol or were suspected of being intoxicated. Their average blood alcohol concentration was 2.59‰, most of the victims were men, and their average age was 62. The campaign reminds everyone that alcohol and swimming do not belong together, and that timely intervention can prevent a tragedy.

Find more from Estonia’s Rescue Board (Estonia, July 2026)