Nine people have drowned in Saxony since the beginning of the year. That is three fewer than in the same period last year, according to the summer report from the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG). The figures cover cases up to September 15.
The decline was particularly large in July and August. There was only one fatal swimming accident in each of the two summer months this year, three fewer than in the previous year. The highest number of cases was in March (3).
The outdoor pools in Saxony recently reported a mixed season due to the rainy summer. After a good start in May and June, there were significantly fewer bathers overall.
Fewer fatal swimming accidents across Germany too
Germany-wide, the number of fatal swimming accidents fell by 33 to 321 by mid-September. "The highest number of victims in one month was in June, when we had a prolonged period of sunny summer weather," said DLRG President Ute Vogt.
The vast majority of fatalities were men, in Saxony (6), as well as throughout Germany (263). "They misjudge their physical condition, misjudge dangers more often, take more risks and are also more likely to go into the water under the influence of alcohol," said Vogt. "Young men in particular repeatedly - albeit unknowingly - put their lives at risk."
More young swimming fatalities
After the DLRG had recorded no fatal swimming accidents involving children and young adults in Saxony in the past two years, four people aged between 11 and 30 died this year. The DLRG also observed an increase in fatal swimming accidents among young people nationwide.
As in the previous year, most deaths occurred in natural waters. Two people drowned in rivers, lakes and ponds, and one person in a stream. No one died in a swimming pool. The remaining two cases are categorized as "other".
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