Alarming bathing accidents: drowning men and seniors in focus!

Alarming bathing accidents: drowning men and seniors in focus!

Berlin, Deutschland - The number of drowning cases in Germany has achieved alarming proportions. At least 15 people died nationwide last weekend, which is one of the most deadliest weekends in recent years. Men and older people, such as [rbb24] (https://www.rbb24.de/panorama/biebtrag/2025/06/ertrinken-badetote-berlin-brandenburg-urenburg-uren-praeVERN), are particularly affected. The Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft (DLRG) registered a total of 46 drowning victims in Berlin and Brandenburg for 2024, including 30 in Brandenburg and 16 in Berlin.

A terrifying trend shows that 21 men and 9 women in Brandenburg, including 8 people over 81 years. In Berlin, too, 13 men and 2 women were recorded among the victims. The age group of 21- to 30-year-olds is particularly affected, since 4 bath deaths were counted in this group.

increasing drowning numbers

nationwide statistics reveals that a total of 411 people drowned in 2024. These are 31 cases more than in the previous year, which reflects a continuous increase in the numbers. In 2023 there were 378 drowning cases, in 2022 there were 355. A look at the past few years shows: The number of drowning victims has increased again since 2019, as dlrg

A large part of the fatal accidents, namely 90%, occurred in unusual waters, which underlines the importance of guarded bathing areas. In addition, a decline in swimming skills in the population is given as the reason for rising rates. The closure of municipal swimming pools has a negative impact on swimming training, as studies show.

demographic challenges

Demographic change leads to an increase in older people who are more susceptible to bathing accidents. At the same time, climate change contributes to longer heat periods that attract more people to swim. As a result, in 2024, 14 children up to 10 years were victims of the swimming victims, while in 2023 there were still 17. This dangerous situation is also reflected in the recommendations of the DLRG, the advisory rates to observe bathing rules and swim on guarded bathing areas.

• dangers in unusual waters.
• temperature differences can lead to cold shocks.
• controlled breathing and non-all-in-bathing are essential for your own security.

The DLRG also relies on clarification to raise awareness of the dangers of bathing. There are also initiatives for swimming training to improve the security situation. Particular attention is paid to educating parents about the dangers that exist in particular for small children.

statistics show that almost 48% of fatal accidents occur in the summer months, from June to August. For the bathing season, the DLRG has annual lifeguards at over 100 bathing spots to save human life.

The developments of recent years make it clear that growing awareness and preventive measures are essential in order to counteract the increasing number of bathing accidents. It remains to be hoped that through awareness and education in the upcoming warm season, as DLRG President Ute Vogt emphasizes, a positive turn.

The need for preventive measures is greater than ever to prevent tragic bathing accidents and ensure safety in the water, both for experienced swimmers and for beginners.