- More people drown in lakes - often alone and insecure
Most people drowned in Baden-Württemberg this year and, according to the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG), the majority of these incidents occurred in lakes. While exact figures are not yet available, the DLRG plans to release an interim report on Thursday (11:00 AM) regarding the fatal bathing accidents**. However, police reports from this year alone indicate that the number of drowning victims in lakes has already exceeded last year's figures. Between January and July 2023, 11 people had died in lakes, according to the DLRG.
With the increasingly sunny days following previously unsettled weeks, the risk of bathing accidents also increases, according to the DLRG. Already in the first week of August, at least three more bodies have been recovered from lakes, including a young man in Freiburg and another man in Hüfingen (Black Forest-Baar Circle).
More gravel pits becoming public baths
However, the DLRG reports that there are also increasing requests from municipalities to the association, as many gravel pits are now on the verge of becoming public baths. Furthermore, the number of stand-up paddle boarders is increasing, who underestimate the heat on the board and the cool water temperature in case of a fall.
In the entire previous year, at least 43 people drowned in rivers, lakes, or streams nationwide. According to the DLRG, about four out of five victims were men, and almost half were over 60 years old. Most people drowned in the southwest in predominantly unguarded inland waters.
Swim in company or with a swim buoy
Markus Mang from DLRG Württemberg warns: "Drowning is silent. If no one knows about you, no one can help." He notes that there are significantly fewer people at risk where lifeguards are on duty. "Swim especially where you are not alone, preferably at guarded spots. Don't go alone. And use a swim buoy if possible," he advises.
Inflatable and brightly colored buoys can be attached to the body with a long strap and towed while swimming. They serve as a kind of life ring in case of emergencies like a cramp and can be used as a cushion during breaks.
More non-swimmers and poor swimmers
The DLRG particularly warns of a trend towards more non-swimmers and poor swimmers, which needs to be urgently addressed. Even swimming instructors in Württemberg report that fewer and fewer young people can swim well, even in higher school classes.
Many swimming pools complain of staff shortages, numerous waters remain unguarded, and volunteers have less time for their honorary service. At least one in five primary schools cannot offer swimming lessons due to lack of a nearby swimming pool, and half of the pools nationwide are in need of renovation, making it impossible to train future water rescuers.
The DLRG, which claims to be the largest water rescue organization in the world, is also number one in swimming and lifesaving training in Germany. The lifesavers in Baden-Württemberg numbered slightly over 8,000 in 2022 (6,090) and performed nearly 229,000 hours of service in water rescue last year (2022: 209,000). In the same period, the number of honorary swimming instructors increased by around 200 to nearly 7,000.
The body of a young man was recently recovered from a lake in Freiburg, contributing to the rising number of drowning incidents in lakes this year. With the growing popularity of gravel pits turning into public baths, the DLRG is seeing an increase in requests from municipalities to oversee these new swimming areas.
