Televisions and bottles: what divers find at the bottom of the lakes in Nizhny Novgorod

      On May 15, 2026, at 17:07, Society In Nizhny Novgorod, preparations for the beach and recreation areas for the swimming season have begun. Divers from the emergency rescue team have already surveyed and cleaned the water bodies at Shchelokovsky Khutor. This was reported by the Emergency Management Department.

      As the director of the beautification department, Elena Pegova, stated, in the summer of 2026, the city plans to open 13 municipal beaches and 7 recreation areas.

      Currently, the territories are being updated with new sand, garbage containers, bins, mobile and stationary toilets, as well as repairing and painting sun loungers and changing rooms. In addition, rescue posts are being organized at official beaches, and underwater surveys of the bottom are being conducted. Special swimming areas and barriers are being equipped for children's safety.

      Julia Konykova, deputy head of the Parks and Squares Directorate of Nizhny Novgorod, noted that the preparations for the season include not only cleaning the water bodies but also complete landscaping of the areas. According to her, before opening, specialists take samples of water and soil, and permission for the operation of the water body is granted only after a positive conclusion from the commission.

      Diver Roman Bogdanov from the emergency rescue team reported that specialists thoroughly inspect the bottom and shoreline, removing dangerous objects and debris.

      "We examine the coastline, checking for large and dangerous objects—logs, stones, broken bottles. Then we survey the bottom in diving gear. If everything is clean, we remove floating debris—logs, plastic bottles. We additionally clean the coastal area with rakes," he said.

      According to the diver, during their work, rescuers have found a variety of items in the water bodies—from cars to phones and watches. Among the most unusual finds are televisions and refrigerators.

      The beautification department reported that the official opening of the beaches is planned for June 1. Preparatory work will be completed by May 25, and water and soil studies will be conducted. Throughout the swimming season, until August, water and soil samples will be taken weekly.

      Municipal beaches and recreation areas are located in eight districts of the city, including at Shchelokovsky Khutor, Meshcherskoye and Sorting Lakes, the Rowing Canal, Svetloyarskoye and Lunskoe Lakes, as well as along the banks of the Oka and Volga rivers.

      Earlier, it was reported that an employee of the Nizhny Novgorod colony saved a girl who was drowning in a pond. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+