Drowning deaths have increased in Germany:
Number of non-swimmers could exacerbate the problem in the future
by Johanna | Restube
published on july 25, 2024
Summer 2024: A 42-year-old German drowns in the North Sea in Holland, having underestimated the wind and current (dpa reported on 7.14.24), an elderly woman drowns while swimming with her friend in Lake Geiseltal (MZ reported on 7.13.24), a 27-year-old jumps from a pedal boat into Lake Kaltern in South Tyrol and could only be rescued dead by divers later (the press reported on 7.14.2024).
These are just some of the many swimming accidents that occur, especially during the summer months. Many of them are fatal. In 2023, 378 people died in drowning accidents in Germany. This is an increase of 23 people compared to the previous year.
"A silent epidemic of preventable deaths" (WHO)
Initiated by the United Nations, World Drowning Prevention Day aims to raise awareness of the risk of drowning and to promote preventive measures. Governments and communities are encouraged to take effective action to prevent drowning. Education and water literacy, swimming lessons and improved water safety are essential.
Drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly among children and young adults. According to the WHO, around 236,000 people die from drowning every year, with 2.5 million victims in the last 10 years. Drowning is one of the 10 leading causes of death among people aged 1 to 24 years.
From cultural asset to problem
Swimming was once considered a cultural asset in Germany, but the growing number of non-swimmers could become a social problem in the future. According to a Forsa survey, the proportion of non-swimmers among primary school children in Germany has doubled in five years. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of swimming lessons or long waiting lists for them - partly due to the coronavirus pandemic, during which there were no swimming lessons at all. But the closure of many public swimming pools is also a cause of the problem. In Germany, between 70 and 80 pools close every year. Initiatives such as the DLRG's "Save the Public Swimming Pools" campaign are fighting against this.
Christopher Fuhrhop, inventor and founder of RESTUBE, has been working to improve water safety for over 10 years.
"Working against drowning and for water safety is a social responsibility. Government, education and schools, organisations and industry must work together to improve water safety and reduce the number of drowning accidents. We work with associations, organisations and schools to find solutions. Last year, for example, more than 1,000 school children were able to improve their swimming and water safety skills during Action Days organised by the Water Experience Academy, a RESTUBE initiative."
Swimming accidents: Recognising dangers and minimising risks
Eight rules for safety in local waters by Clemens Menge (DLRG)
Good preparation, knowledge of the dangers and the right safety equipment can help minimise the risk of drowning and ensure a good and safe time in the water. Together with Clemens Menge, head of operations at the German Lifeguard Association (DLRG) in Constance, we have put together eight important rules for spending time in the water.
1. Know your limits!
Only go into the water if you can swim safely and feel comfortable. Do not overestimate your physical fitness. Never swim on a full or empty stomach. Never swim under the influence of alcohol.
2. Find out about the water you intend to swim in!
Find out about the depth, currents, hazards and bans. Never jump into water you do not know! There is a risk of injury, e.g. from rocks.
3. Never go into the water alone!
It is best to swim in places where there is lifeguard supervision. If this is not possible, go into the water with friends and look out for each other. Take an inflatable buoy, such as Restube's, or a floating buoy for extra safety.
4. Be aware of the weather!
Keep an eye on the clouds and the wind. If the weather changes suddenly, conditions in the water can change quickly too. Thunderstorms and strong currents can make it dangerous to be in and around the water. Be especially careful when swimming in the sea: the tides can cause unpredictable strong currents.
5. Know the flag signals!
Interpretation of flag signals on shore: Yellow flag means: Danger, especially for children and non-swimmers. Red flag means: life-threatening. No swimming allowed!
6. Get into the water slowly!
The colder the water, the slower you should go in. Cool down your arms and legs first. A large temperature difference can cause circulatory problems and cramps.
7. Use an inflatable buoy for additional safety!
A robust buoy can quickly de-escalate a critical situation. For example, Restube, an extremely small system that immediately inflates with a pull on the trigger and provides buoyancy.
8. Protect yourself before you help a stranger!
If you see someone in distress, check to see if a lifeguard is nearby. Only help if you are not in danger. Even a child can develop enormous strength in panic and put an adult in great danger. An inflatable buoy can be very useful in an emergency situation, as you can pass it on at the distance necessary for your own safety.
Leave a comment