Number of Drowning Deaths in Saxony Doubles

Contrary to the national trend, more people have died while swimming in Saxony so far this year than in the same period last year. Between the start of the year and September 15, a total of 19 people drowned in the state’s bodies of water—ten more than during the same period last year, according to the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG).

According to the DLRG, most of the fatal accidents in Saxony occurred in lakes, where 11 people lost their lives. The majority of deaths occurred during the summer months: three people drowned in June, four in July, and five in August. The majority of the drowning victims were male: 14 men and three women lost their lives in Saxony’s bodies of water. The highest number of drowning victims was in the 21-to-30 and 81-and-older age groups (four in each).

DLRG Calls for More Swimming Lessons and Better Swimming Facilities

According to the DLRG, the warm weather led to a large influx of people at swimming lakes and rivers. Many people reportedly underestimated the risks. Nationwide, according to the DLRG, more than 90 percent of the 11- to 30-year-olds who died were male.

The DLRG is calling for more education about the dangers in bodies of water as well as investments in swimming lessons and public pools. “The federal government, states, and local authorities must work together to invest significantly more across the board in the dilapidated swimming pool infrastructure and school swimming instruction,” said DLRG President Ute Vogt.

Nationwide, the DLRG recorded 320 fatal water accidents. This figure is lower than the previous year’s total (328), but during the swimming season between early May and mid-September, the DLRG recorded 248 deaths—12 more than in the same period the previous year.