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79-year-old drowns in Lake Staffelsee: search ends tragically
A swimmer (79) missing in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district was found dead after a pedal boat accident in Lake Staffelsee. Investigations are ongoing.
79-year-old drowns in Lake Staffelsee: search ends tragically
On July 18, 2025, the sad results of the large-scale search operations became known at Staffelsee, in the idyllic Seehausen am Staffelsee in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district. A 79-year-old swimmer from Munich, who had been missing since June 22, 2025, was rescued dead from the lake. The senior was traveling on a pedal boat with a companion when he fell into the water and was unable to return. The incident highlights the dangers of swimming and vacationing in water.
The man was rescued by the Uffing and Kochel am See water rescue services. A bather discovered a lifeless person on the surface of the water and then alerted the rescue workers. Extensive searches were carried out immediately after the accident on June 22nd. Police, fire brigade and volunteers were on site, but the 79-year-old remained missing for more than three weeks until his tragic discovery. The Weilheim criminal police have taken over the death investigation, under the direction of the Munich II public prosecutor's office. Initial investigations have so far shown no signs of foul play.
More swimming accidents in the region
Unfortunately, the incident at Lake Staffelsee is not the only swimming accident in the region. On Corpus Christi, a man drowned in Mauern's swimming lake, while two more serious swimming accidents were recorded in Bavaria on Sunday. An 88-year-old was discovered lifeless in the water at Lake Lugenau near Böbing and was successfully resuscitated. Thanks to the quick intervention of another bather who brought the man to the shore, something worse was prevented and he was taken to hospital in a rescue helicopter.
Lake Staffelsee and the other bodies of water are popular destinations, but as the sad incidents show, they also pose risks that need to be taken into account.
Statistics and prevention
The German Life Saving Society (DLRG) has published alarming figures: In 2023, there were at least 411 fatal accidents in water in Germany, which means an increase of 31 deaths compared to the previous year. This number is the first since 2019 to exceed the 400 mark. DLRG President Ute Vogt expressed the hope that such statistics would serve to make people more aware of the dangers in water, especially for families with small children, who should also be made more aware of the risks in the coming warm season.
It is up to each individual to follow certain rules of conduct and ensure their own safety when swimming. The loss of a loved one, as in the tragic case of the Munich man at Lake Staffelsee, should encourage us all to treat these beautiful but dangerous places responsibly. The desire for relaxation must not come at the expense of safety.
The sad news reminds us to be careful so that such accidents can be avoided in the future. The DLRG offers information and tips on safety in the water at this link.