Germany Records Highest Number of Drowning Deaths: At Least 99 People Die in June

Germany recorded a record number of drowning fatalities in June, with at least 99 people losing their lives in lakes, rivers, swimming pools, seas, and canals. This marks the highest figure recorded in the past 23 years.

According to the German Life Saving Association (DLRG), the majority of drowning victims were under the age of 30. More than 90 percent of those who died were men.

DLRG President Ute Vogt said:

“It is mostly men who take excessive risks and underestimate dangers. They are also more likely to enter the water while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.”

Lifeguards advise swimmers to enter the water only in supervised areas and warn against jumping into the water when overheated or immediately after cooling down before swimming.

Swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strongly discouraged. People are also advised to avoid currents and unfamiliar waters, and to realistically assess their own physical limits.

Source: AR/se (kna, afp, epd, dpa, DLRG)