Suche
Mein Konto
Warning from the DLRG: Swimming accidents are increasing – this is how you save lives!
The DLRG warns of increasing swimming accidents: 411 deaths in Germany in 2023. Tips for safe swimming in Lower Saxony.
Warning from the DLRG: Swimming accidents are increasing – this is how you save lives!
With bright sunshine and temperatures that are perfect for swimming, many people are currently drawn to the bathing lakes in Lower Saxony. But the joy of cool water can be deceptive. The German Life Saving Society (DLRG) warns urgently about increasing swimming accidents and the associated dangers. Loud NDR A dismal 411 people died in swimming accidents last year, an increase of 112 cases compared to 2021. This dismal outcome shows that caution is essential when swimming.
Last weekend was particularly alarming, when at least 15 swimming deaths were registered nationwide - the highest number on a weekend this year. In Lower Saxony, a 40-year-old man drowned in the Innerste Dam in the Goslar district and a 94-year-old drowned in Lohnde, a district of the Hanover region. The DLRG notes that two major causes of such tragic accidents are overestimation of one's swimming abilities and underestimation of hazards such as water currents and abrupt temperature differences.
Draw attention to the dangers
This makes it all the more important to be aware of your limits and recognize risks. The DLRG points out the dangers of cold shock that can arise from abrupt temperature changes. Such sudden changes are particularly risky after sunbathing, as circulatory problems or even cramps can occur. So warns the daily mirror from careless diving into murky waters, which are dangerous not only for inexperienced people.
The DLRG strongly recommends that you avoid swimming in unguarded areas and that you follow the safety instructions, such as the flags. For example, a red flag indicates a bathing ban. Swimmers should also wear life jackets, especially in rivers or when hiking on mudflats without experienced companions.
Climate change and the closure of swimming pools as risk factors
Another factor for the increase in swimming accidents is climate change and the closure of numerous swimming pools, as the DLRG emphasizes. Both lead to more and more people pushing into natural waters, where the dangers are often underestimated. In 2023, around 76 percent of swimming deaths were male, with men aged 55 and over often being affected. Younger adults, on the other hand, can get into deadly situations through carelessness, overconfidence and the influence of alcohol.
DLRG President Ute Vogt appeals to all parents to pay particular attention to the dangers for small children. Because one thing is certain: Despite all the warnings, the fun of swimming shouldn't be lost - it just needs to be planned better!