According to the DLRG, at least 253 people have drowned in Germany this year.
In the first seven months of the current year, at least 253 people have died in bathing and water-related accidents in Germany. This is 35 more than in the same period last year, according to the German Life Saving Association (DLRG). Around 150 people have drowned since the start of the bathing season in early May, according to the organization's interim report. "If the summer had been more consistent, even more lives would likely have been lost," explained DLRG President Ute Vogt.
So far, 77 people have died in lakes, compared to 82 in the same period last year. For the third year in a row, there have been more fatal accidents in rivers. By July 31, 2024, there were 92 cases, compared to 77 in the same period last year. Vogt advised against swimming in rivers. "Flowing waters pose the most dangers," she warned. Two-thirds of the total number of deaths occurred in lakes and rivers.
Thirteen people have drowned in the first seven months of the current year in the sea - ten in the Baltic Sea and three in the North Sea. Last year, there were nine cases. Most of these were boat and water sports accidents or bathing incidents early in the morning or late in the evening. Eight people have died in swimming pools, according to DLRG.
Nearly every third victim whose age is known was over 70 years old. Sixty-four drownings were in this age group. Another 60 victims were between 50 and 70 years old. According to the DLRG report, the number of drownings over 50 years old increased by 41 compared to the same period last year. In older swimmers, underlying illnesses are often the cause of bathing accidents. There have been seven fatalities among children under ten years old.
In leisure activities such as stand-up paddling or boating, 20 fatal accidents have been recorded by the end of July. This number is already as high as the whole of last year. The DLRG advises wearing life jackets when engaging in water sports. "Unfortunately, many people do not think enough about their own safety, do not take precautions, and overestimate their abilities," explained Vogt.
The German Life Saving Association (DLRG) mentioned an increase of 35 bathing and water-related accident fatalities in the first seven months of the current year compared to the same period last year. According to DLRG's interim report, eight fatalities occurred in swimming pools.
