Attention, parents! DLRG warns of deadly dangers on the water!

Attention, parents! DLRG warns of deadly dangers on the water!

In the warm season, many people are drawn to the water, but the dangers should not be underestimated. As the DLRG (German Life Saving Society) emphasizes in its current campaign, vigilance is required, especially when it comes to children. According to a report by ntz.de Many adults recognize the risks of water far too late, especially with small children. A moment of inattention can quickly have fatal consequences.

In 2024, 48 people tragically drowned in Baden-Württemberg, more than half of them in lakes and ponds. These numbers make it clear that bodies of water such as lakes and rivers are common sites of fatal swimming accidents. Armin Flohr, President of the DLRG Württemberg regional association, warns urgently about the dangers of unguarded waters. Children should never be left unattended, even in shallow water there is a danger to their lives.

Create a safe environment

The DLRG calls on parents and guardians never to let small children out of their sight. Even shallow water depths, such as those found in garden ponds, rain barrels or paddling pools, can be life-threatening for little ones. Often, the movements of young children in distress in the water resemble play behavior, making it difficult to recognize that they are in danger. Everyday reality also shows that many underestimate how quickly children can drown.

The DLRG actively promotes education and swimming training. Information and bathing rules are provided in over 30 languages ​​so everyone has access to important safety tips. Loud dlrg.de A total of 411 people drowned in Germany in 2022, including 14 children. These figures illustrate the urgency of education and prevention work, especially with regard to the dangers in and around water.

Attention to the dangers

The DLRG is observing an alarming increase in fatal accidents in water. There were 411 such cases in 2024, 31 more than in the previous year. The majority of deaths involve the elderly, with about 60% of victims over 55 years old. Almost half of all accidents occur in summer, especially in the months of June to August. August 2024 was particularly critical with 80 victims, 33 more than the year before presseportal.de reported.

This bathing season, the DLRG is deploying over 6,000 volunteer lifeguards to ensure the safety of bathers. A targeted campaign was also launched to raise awareness among parents about the dangers of unguarded waters. This initiative aims not only at education, but also at personal responsibility when dealing with children on the water.

Overall, the DLRG has a strong position with over 600,000 members and more than 1.3 million supporters and is committed to water rescue, swimming training and prevention work. Raising awareness of the risks on the water and protecting children is the organization's stated goal at this important time of year.