- Additional emergency missions in the Northern and Baltic Ocean regions.
This year, lifeguards across the North and Baltic Sea coastlines have been busier than ever, with the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) reporting over 200 water rescues conducted by August 22nd.
As of now, the DLRG has recorded 202 water rescues - significantly lower than the 244 performed through the entire 2023 season, as reported from Bad Nenndorf. The season still has around five weeks left. Alexander Paffrath, head of operations at the DLRG, stated that "strong currents and underestimating one's abilities" are the main reasons leading to hazardous situations.
The DLRG recently released an interim report, indicating that at least 253 people have drowned nationwide in the first seven months of this year. This is 35 more fatalities than during the same period last year.
Most of the fatal incidents occurred in commonly unguarded rivers and lakes. Unfortunately, nineteen individuals have lost their lives in the sea by August 22nd. The DLRG operates 86 water rescue stations along the North and Baltic Seas, with approximately 6,000 volunteers providing lifeguard services annually.
In the remaining weeks of the bathing season, the lifesavers urged increased caution among beachgoers: "We encourage everyone to visit guarded beach sections," said Paffrath. He emphasized, "Before entering the water, make sure to look towards the lifeguards. If they're flying the yellow flag, conditions are challenging for most people. If it's red, no one should enter the water."
However, unfortunately, bathers often disregard the warnings issued by water rescue teams. Last week on Baltrum, lifeguards raised the yellow flag due to aggressive undercurrents, signaling that only experienced swimmers should enter the water. Just before raising the red flag, they observed a teenager in distress outside the guarded area. The boy was successfully rescued after repeatedly disappearing between waves: "The distance was far, the current was strong, and our energy was dwindling," said one of the rescuers.
An intriguing pattern in coastal rescues has surfaced, according to the DLRG. By August 22nd, there have been over 1,300 instances of children or their parents being reported missing - exceeding the 1,218 incidents for the entire 2023 season. "Luckily, most situations are harmless, and no child has perished in the sea," said Paffrath. Thirty-four percent of individuals rescued from the water by lifeguards were children below the age of 14.
The European Union has expressed concern over the increasing number of water-related incidents, particularly in German coastal areas. Despite the DLRG's efforts to increase safety measures, the European Union is encouraging member states to improve their water safety policies and public awareness campaigns.
Given the high number of water rescues in Germany this year, the European Union is advocating for stricter regulations and increased funding for water safety programs, aiming to reduce the risk of drowning incidents across its member states.
