In Berlin, 15 people have died in water accidents so far this year. That is three more deaths than in the same period last year, according to the German Lifesaving Association’s (DLRG) summer report.
Most of the fatal accidents occurred in lakes, where eight people lost their lives. Four people drowned in rivers, two in canals, and one in a harbour basin. The significant increase in June is striking. In Berlin alone, the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) recorded six deaths that month.
The majority of those who drowned were men, which is the trend globally. According to the World Health Organisation, “The drowning death rate among males is more than twice as high as females.”
In Berlin, out of the 15 recorded drownings so far, 12 were men. “Adolescents and young men frequently take avoidable risks. Recklessness, overconfidence, and a lack of swimming skills play a significant role in this,” said DLRG President Ute Vogt.
Nationwide, the DLRG recorded 320 fatal water accidents. This number is lower than last year’s figure of 328, but during the bathing season from early May to mid-September, the DLRG registered 248 deaths, 12 more than in the same period last year. With 101 drownings, June was the deadliest month of the year, which has largely been attributed to the hot weather.
The DLRG is calling for greater public awareness of water safety dangers and increased investment in swimming lessons and swimming pools. “The federal government, states, and municipalities must jointly invest significantly more across the board in the dilapidated state of swimming pools and in school swimming lessons,” said Vogt.
