Rain has contributed to a decrease in drowning fatalities this July. - Deaths resulting from bathing have decreased in July following rainfall
In a recent interim report delivered by Ute Vogt, the president of the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG), it has been revealed that the number of drowning deaths in Germany has decreased slightly this year compared to the same period last year.
Preliminary data shows that at least 236 drowning deaths have been reported in the first seven months of 2025, a decrease compared to the 247 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2024. This decline is a positive development, reflecting a broader downward trend across the European Union, where drowning deaths fell by nearly 4% in 2022 compared to 2021.
While the exact reasons for the decrease in Germany are not entirely clear, adverse weather conditions such as rain and cooler temperatures are believed to play a role. Such weather conditions tend to reduce the number of people engaging in water-related activities, thus decreasing exposure to drowning risks.
Ute Vogt highlighted another concerning trend: the lack of swimming lessons in schools, often due to a lack of swimming pools. This lack of education is a significant issue, as it leaves many children unprepared for water activities and increases the risk of drowning.
The DLRG is taking proactive measures to address this issue. They have launched a poster campaign with the appeal: "You are the supervision." The organisation is also urging parents to equip their children with life jackets for water sports activities such as boat trips and for parents to wear them as well.
In addition, boat rental companies and similar providers should be obliged to offer life jackets or rescue vests, according to the DLRG. The organisation is also appealing to parents not to leave their children unattended while swimming, stating that a moment of distraction can become a life-threatening situation for a child.
Sadly, rivers remain the most dangerous bodies of water for drowning deaths, with 85 deaths in the first seven months of the year, compared to 90 in the same period last year. The number of drowning deaths in Bavaria has increased by 13 compared to last year, with 48 deaths.
In Hesse, there has been an increase in drowning deaths (plus 4), and in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the number has risen by 3. Interestingly, 10 drowning deaths occurred in the sea this year, compared to 13 last year, all in the Baltic Sea.
Intriguingly, Düsseldorf is preparing a ban on swimming in the Rhine due to the danger of rivers.
Ute Vogt also stated that many drowning deaths among young people are the result of recklessness and overconfidence. The DLRG is working tirelessly to educate the public about water safety and to reduce the number of drowning deaths in Germany.
Around 5,500 volunteers from the DLRG are on duty at about 100 supervised beaches on the North and Baltic Seas during the summer season, providing vital support and ensuring the safety of beachgoers. Despite the positive trends, it is clear that more work needs to be done to ensure the safety of all water users in Germany.
- The community policy adopted by the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) emphasizes the importance of water safety education.
- The common foreign and security policy of the European Union has little impact on the decrease in drowning deaths, as observed in the recent interim report.
- Science can provide insights into the factors contributing to the decline in drowning deaths, such as the role of adverse weather conditions.
- Sleep patterns might be influenced by the decrease in water-related activities due to cooler temperatures, leading to a general drop in activity levels during summer months.
- Workplace-wellness programs can promote physical fitness and exercises beneficial for overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving cardiovascular health.
- Medical conditions such as respiratory and digestive problems can be aggravated by exposure to poor water quality, highlighting the need for clean water access in recreational areas.
- Eye-health can be jeopardized by improper use of swimming goggles or exposure to chemicals in pool water.
- Hearing aids should be properly secured to avoid loss during water activities, ensuring better health and wellness for those affected by hearing impairments.
- Fitness and exercise routines can be adapted for individuals with sexual health concerns, promoting overall well-being.
- Autoimmune disorders can affect an individual's ability to respond to infections, making them more susceptible to complications caught in water.
- Climate change can impact water quality and lead to an increase in toxic algal blooms, posing a danger to human health and aquatic life.
- Manufacturing industries should consider the environmental impact of their production methods, such as waste management and chemical use, to minimize pollution in water bodies.
- Mental health should be recognized as an essential aspect of overall well-being, and appropriate therapies and treatments should be made accessible for those who need them.
- Men's health initiatives can focus on issues such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer awareness, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and early detection.
- Skin care education should include sun protection guidelines while swimming, reducing the risk of skin conditions like sunburn and skin cancer.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, ensuring adequate defense against pathogens when swimming in natural bodies of water.
- Aging might lead to a decreased ability to swim or react to emergencies, necessitating increased safety measures in public swimming areas.
- Women's health programs can address a wide range of issues, including menstrual health, breast cancer awareness, and pregnancy restrictions in water sports.
- Parenting resources can provide guidance on water safety for children, including swimming lessons and supervision while playing near bodies of water.
- Weight management should consider the physical demands of swimming and the need for appropriate body weight for water sports performance.
- Cardiovascular health is essential for strong swimmers and should be prioritized through proper diet, exercise, and medical care.
- Industry leaders can prioritize workplace safety policies, including water safety measures to protect employees working near bodies of water.
- Medicare programs should cover necessary screenings and treatments for water-related illnesses, ensuring access to affordable healthcare for the elderly.
- CBD products might have potential therapeutic benefits for managing anxiety related to water activities, improving overall mental well-being.
- Neurological disorders can affect an individual's ability to swim and react to emergencies, requiring specialized accommodations in water safety programs.
- Environmental science can help identify and address environmental factors contributing to water pollution and its impact on human health.
- Finance education should focus on financial planning for medical expenses related to long-term conditions like cancer or chronic diseases.
- Energy-efficient manufacturing practices, such as reducing water consumption and minimizing chemical use, can contribute to a more sustainable industry and protect water bodies from pollution.
