Bathing season in Bavaria: Fatal accidents alert water rescuers!

Bathing season in Bavaria: Fatal accidents alert water rescuers!

The first days of summer not only bring sunshine and warmth, but also a shocking increase in swimming accidents in Bavaria recently. The heat waves attract many people to lakes, rivers and outdoor pools, and the joy of bathing is often overshadowed by reality. Current figures show that the situation for water rescue is becoming increasingly worrying. How BR.de Reportedly, there were three fatal swimming incidents in Upper Bavaria alone on the first weekend in June.

The following week saw further tragic events in which four people died in Bavarian waters. A 78-year-old man drowned in a quarry pond near Altötting, another, 79-year-old, met his end at Sylvensteinsee. While his wife alerted the rescue workers, he could only be rescued hours later Augsburger Allgemeine informed. What is particularly frightening is the fact that last weekend there were a total of 15 fatal swimming accidents in Germany.

Alarming numbers and challenges

The number of swimming accidents in Germany has shown a worrying trend. According to the DLRG (German Life Saving Society), there were already 411 fatal accidents in 2023, which means an increase of 31 cases compared to the previous year. It is the third increase in the number of victims in a row and the number is above 400 for the first time since 2019. DLRG President Ute Vogt expressed the hope of raising awareness among the population and plans to draw particular attention to the dangers for small children.

The Waterwatch in Bavaria, which has over 70,000 volunteer members, is facing enormous challenges due to the heat waves and the increase in swimming accidents. Thomas Huber, the state chairman of the Bavarian Water Rescue Service, describes the situation as alarming. The recklessness of some swimmers is particularly worrying. Lukas Genstorfer, a lifeguard, emphasizes that many people overestimate their abilities and endanger their lives as a result.

Swimming skills and prevention measures

A problem that should not be underestimated is children's swimming skills. A 2022 survey found that one in five primary school children under the age of 10 cannot swim. Swimming courses are often booked up quickly and are therefore hardly available for many families. The Dorfen water rescue service is committed to addressing this problem. As part of the “Bayern Swims” campaign, fourth-graders are offered swimming courses, and there are additional action days designed to teach children how to deal with swimming accidents.

In an emergency, important emergency measures are crucial: shake the patient awake, call 112, check breathing and look after the injured person. However, it is also important to seek professional help. Rescue workers also report attacks and obstructions at swimming lakes, which makes their work even more difficult. As temperatures continue to rise, it is essential to start the bathing season carefully and not underestimate the dangers.