- The same number of drownings in Hamburg as in the same period last year
In Hamburg, ten people have drowned in the first seven months of this year - the number is the same as in the same period last year. According to the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG), there were fatalities in the river, canal, lake, harbor basin, or pool. Eight men and one woman died. In one case, the gender was unknown.
Nationwide, at least 253 men and women drowned from January to July, according to a DLRG statistic. That's 35 more people than in the same period last year. "With a more consistent summer, even more lives would likely have been lost," said DLRG President Ute Vogt when presenting the figures in Düsseldorf. "Unfortunately, many people don't think enough about their own safety, don't take precautions, and overestimate their abilities."
The DLRG is reportedly the largest water rescue organization in the world, with more than 1.9 million members and supporters.
Men and boys contribute significantly to the drowning statistics, as eight men and one boy were among the victims in Hamburg this year. Nationwide, theDLRG has reported that at least 130 men and boys have drowned from January to July.
