DLRG Urges Caution Around Water — What to Watch Out For

The German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) is urging swimmers to exercise extra caution during the summer vacation. Nationwide, 99 people drowned in June—the highest number since 2003. In Saxony, the DLRG recorded three deaths, compared to one in the same month last year; in Saxony-Anhalt, there was one death, the same as in the same month last year. Thuringia, like last year, had no swimming-related deaths. The changes compared to the same month last year were thus relatively minor in these three states.

Concerns About Further Heat Waves

“The tragic start to the swimming season gives cause for concern that, should further heat waves occur in midsummer, many people could once again lose their lives in the water,” said DLRG President Ute Vogt. Lifeguards are urging people not to underestimate the dangers at swimming lakes and rivers.

Men Are Particularly Prone to Accidents

Men were particularly likely to be involved in accidents. More than 90 percent of the fatalities in June were male. Among people under 30, all of the victims were men. In total, 40 of those who drowned were no older than 30, while 35 known victims were older than 50.

Lakes and rivers pose particular dangers

Nationwide, most fatal accidents occurred in lakes, followed by rivers. According to the DLRG, many people underestimate the dangers in the water, such as currents or the temperature difference when jumping into the water. Added to this are overconfidence, poor swimming skills, jumping into waters that are too shallow or murky, alcohol, and medical emergencies.

How to reduce the risk

The DLRG advises swimming only at supervised swimming areas whenever possible, cooling off before entering the water, and avoiding alcohol. In addition, children should never be left unsupervised near the water. Lifeguards also recommend realistically assessing one’s own abilities and avoiding currents and unfamiliar bodies of water.