Fatal swimming accidents: two men drowned in Bavaria's waters!

Fatal swimming accidents: two men drowned in Bavaria's waters!

Tragic reports of fatal swimming accidents are increasing in Bavaria. Since the start of summer, there have been reports of drowning swimmers almost weekly, raising alarm bells. Two men have currently been rescued dead from East Bavarian waters, and the drowning statistics show worrying numbers. BR.de reports that the fatal incidents took place in the Neustadt an der Waldnaab district and the Passau district.

The first incident occurred in Grafenwöhr, where a 38-year-old angler went into the water on Monday evening and did not return. His wife called the police after he failed to report that evening. Rescue workers found him lifeless in the pond on Tuesday morning. Here, too, there is no evidence of a violent crime. Another tragic incident occurred in the quarry lake near Büchlberg. A 46-year-old man who went into hiding on Saturday was finally rescued after an intensive search. Investigations by the Passau Police Department suggest that there was also an accident in this case.

Increasing numbers of swimming accidents

The increasing number of swimming accidents in Bavaria is worrying. According to the German Life Saving Society (DLRG), a total of 70 people died in Bavaria in 2024 as a result of swimming accidents, which represents an increase of eight deaths compared to the previous year. There are 411 bathing deaths nationwide, an increase of 31 compared to the previous year T Online reported. These accidents occurred particularly frequently in the summer months, with a significant increase in August, where 18 people were killed.

The most common causes of death show a clear trend: 27 people drowned in rivers, 24 in lakes and 11 in streams. The older age groups are particularly badly affected; 23 of the bathing deaths were 71 years old or older. A worrying trend compounded by health problems and possible alcohol consumption.

Caution is advised

DLRG President Ute Vogt appeals to the public to raise awareness of the dangers in water. Particularly in combination with heat, health problems when bathing can quickly become a life-threatening problem. “Older people and those with previous illnesses should be particularly careful,” she emphasizes. The number of swimming accidents remains consistently high, even among young adults.

The DLRG strongly recommends that water sports enthusiasts wear life jackets in order to better protect themselves in an emergency. Wearing buoyancy aids is also strongly recommended wherever swimmers are immersed in deep or cold water.

Overall, everyone who is in and around water should be particularly careful. Summer brings sun and joy, but at the same time it also brings an increased risk of swimming accidents that should not be ignored. Further information on danger prevention can be found on the DLRG website, where you can also view detailed statistics on drowned people here.