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.
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.
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