Water ambulances spring into action. Safer holidays 2026 on the Masurian lakes

On June 1, water ambulances return to the largest lakes of Warmia and Masuria. They will help protect the health and safety of tourists and local residents. The initiative, funded by the National Health Fund, will run until the end of September, with a total budget of nearly PLN 5 million. Where can these floating ambulances be found?

Five strategic rescue bases

For many years, the Warmian-Masurian Regional Branch of the National Health Fund has contracted water ambulances for the holiday season to provide medical assistance across the region’s largest lakes. These floating medical units are an important complement to land-based emergency services, which are not always able to reach remote waterfront locations in time.

During the 2026 season, water ambulances will be stationed around five major water recreation centers:

• Giżycko,
• Kamień,
• Sztynort,
• Ryn,
• Iława.

This distribution reflects the concentration of tourist traffic in Warmia and Masuria and covers areas particularly popular with sailors. The direct medical coverage zone will therefore include Lakes Niegocin, Kisajno, Bełdany, Mamry, Ołów, Jeziorak, as well as the Sztynort and Ryn lake systems.

How are water ambulances equipped?

The health and safety of tourists and residents of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship are protected by modern motorboats that are easy to recognize thanks to their bright orange color. Each water ambulance is equipped with cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment and devices for monitoring vital signs. In addition, paramedics can immobilize injured limbs and administer life-saving medications.

The crew of a water ambulance usually consists of three people: a helmsman and two trained paramedics. Patients in serious condition are transported to shore and transferred to conventional ambulance crews or air rescue helicopters.

How much does it cost? According to representatives of the National Health Fund in Olsztyn, maintaining a water rescue team on standby for one day costs approximately PLN 8,000. The budget for the four-month water ambulance service on the Masurian lakes, from June 1 to September 30, is expected to reach PLN 4.8 million.

Recreation on the water comes with risks

Statistics show that the National Health Fund initiative is needed. In 2025, water ambulances responded to 407 incidents, providing assistance in emergencies, compared with 369 interventions the year before. Most callouts involved fainting, collapses, and limb injuries. Water rescue teams were also dispatched in cases of blood pressure spikes and insect stings.

How to call a water ambulance

Emergency calls can be made through the general emergency number 112 or directly by calling 601 100 100.

It has long been known that prevention is always less costly and less painful than treatment. The Masurian Volunteer Rescue Service reminds visitors about safe behavior near water, particularly:

• wearing a life jacket while using watercraft;
• carrying a fully charged and properly protected mobile phone;
• using sunscreen and insect repellent products;
• avoiding alcohol consumption near water;
• bringing drinking water and snacks during recreational activities.

The heatwaves forecast for the summer significantly increase the risk of heat stroke, while thermal shock caused by sudden cooling in water poses a serious threat to the heart. Many people also continue to overestimate their swimming abilities or give in to the temptation of diving into the water, which can end in tragedy.