Tragic swimming accident: swimmer drowned in Innerstetalsperre

Tragic swimming accident: swimmer drowned in Innerstetalsperre

A tragic swimming accident occurred on Sunday, June 25, 2025, at the Innerste Dam in the Goslar district. A 40-year-old swimmer disappeared under his wife's eyes while swimming. Despite intensive search efforts by the fire brigade and police, it is now assumed that the incident was fatal. Unfortunately, the search initiated on Sunday was initially unsuccessful and was called off in the evening. Special sonar devices were finally used on Monday, but the police continue to assume that the person was drowning because the water is open to swimming and there is currently no evidence of anyone leaving the water.

The emergency services used extensive resources in the search: boats, drones and divers were on duty to find the missing swimmer. While such swimming accidents are very unfortunate, they happen frequently during the summer months - and quick help can often be life-saving. According to a report by 24vita, emergencies should be reported directly to 112, as a medical examination is essential even after a rescue. Tragically, drowning people often do not show typical cries for help, which complicates the situation and children are particularly at risk. You can drown within 90 seconds.

DLRG statistics

The German Life Saving Society (DLRG) recorded 411 fatal accidents in water in Germany in 2023, which represents an increase of 31 deaths compared to the previous year. These figures show a worrying trend as this is the third year in a row that the number of drownings has increased. What is particularly alarming is that this is the first year since 2019 in which more than 400 victims have been counted again. DLRG President Ute Vogt hopes that the upcoming warm season will raise public awareness of these dangers in order to avoid such accidents.

• 411 tödliche Unglücke in Gewässern in Deutschland 2023
• Anstieg um 31 Todesfälle im Vergleich zum Vorjahr
• Dritte Folgejahres mit Anstieg der Ertrunkenen
• Erstmals seit 2019 wieder mehr als 400 Opfer

The DLRG plans to make parents of small children in particular aware of the particular dangers of bathing. A basic guide provides valuable tips: keep your distance, offer rescue equipment and be sure to assess the situation before you intervene yourself. Only with a cool head can you act correctly in an emergency.

The events at the Innerste Dam should encourage us all to be aware of the dangers of swimming and to act prudently in an emergency. Let's not let the summer heat blind us, because safety comes first - not only for ourselves, but also for those around us.

The responsible authorities and organizations are always trying to educate the population about the dangers. It is to be hoped that tragic incidents like this will become less common in the future. Further information about how to act correctly in emergencies can be found on the websites of the DLRG and other initiatives.

For further details on the dangers of swimming and the statistics from the DLRG, you can read the articles from NDR, 24vita and DLRG be visited.