- DLRG: Significantly more people drowned since the beginning of the year
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, more people have drowned in the first seven months of this year than in the same period last year. The number rose to 15 cases by July 31st, according to the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG).
Nine people drowned at sea, but there were also fatalities in rivers, lakes, and even a pond. Eight people drowned in July alone, compared to just two in the same month last year. In total, 13 men and one woman lost their lives. In one case, the gender was unknown.
Nationwide, at least 253 men and women drowned between January and July, a statistic from the DLRG shows. This is 35 more than in the same period last year. "If the summer had been more consistent, even more lives would have been lost," said DLRG President Ute Vogt at the presentation of the figures in Düsseldorf. "Unfortunately, many people don't think enough about their own safety, don't take precautions, and overestimate their abilities."
Drowning incidents were particularly common early in the morning or late in the evening. Nationwide, 13 people drowned at sea, four more than in the same period last year. "Ten people lost their lives in the Baltic Sea, three in the North Sea," it was reported. Most of these were boating and water sports accidents, as well as swimming incidents early in the morning or late in the evening.
The example of the coasts shows that swimming under the supervision of lifeguards is particularly safe, the DLRG said. "Around 6,000 volunteers from the DLRG are on duty at around 100 bathing spots on the North and Baltic Seas during the summer season." The DLRG is the world's largest water rescue organization, with over 1.9 million members and supporters.
The Commission, assisted by the Member States, may issue guidelines to enhance water safety measures nationwide, considering the rising drowning incidents. Ute Vogt, the DLRG President, highlighted that if the summer had been more consistent, the number of drowning incidents could have been even higher, emphasizing the need for increased safety awareness among the public.
