Mykolaiv Region Plans to Open Beaches in 2025 Amid Security Issues

In Mykolaiv region, the beach season has not been opened since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, in 2025, the authorities are considering opening a beach in Koblevo, if they can reach an agreement with the military.

Vitaliy Kim, head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, told Ukrinform that the main obstacle is the ban on the military due to the mine danger.

According to him, in Odesa there are breakwaters with a net stretched between them to prevent mines from hitting the beaches. Before the war, Koblevo also planned to strengthen the coastline, but the project was not implemented.

"Our main task is to ensure that if the shelling stops in May or June, we are ready to start the beach season right away so that we don't lose time again. The tourism business has not been working for three years, there are no funds to maintain the bases and infrastructure," Kim explained.

He also noted that people have different perceptions of danger. As an example, he cited the situation in Ochakiv, where vacationers stayed on the beach even during the shelling.

The authorities are currently looking for technical solutions to secure the beaches and open the holiday season, if the situation permits.

Last season, four places of mass recreation were identified in the Mykolaiv region, where the bottom was inspected and cleaned of foreign objects, rescue posts were organized with lifeguards on duty, and buoys were installed to mark the swimming limits. Information materials on water safety, ways to help victims and self-rescue were also posted there.

The ban on visiting the Black Sea coast has been in place for three years in a row in the Mykolaiv region. Recreation centers have been particularly affected. Many of them have declared bankruptcy. Ninety percent of the region's tourism is based on the sea. But the military does not allow the beaches to be opened because of their proximity to the occupied Kinburn, from which the Black Sea coast is shelled. The military also does not allow de-mining of the surrounding areas because of its proximity to the occupied zones.

Андрій Колісніченко