DLRG balance of bathing deaths 2024: 411 people in Germany drowned

It is a sad record that the German Life Rescue Society (DLRG) had to report: In 2024 there were 411 bath death in Germany-for the first time since 2019, the number has again exceeded the 400 mark.

As the DLRG announced, 48 percent of the fatal accidents occurred in the three summer months, 80 people alone drowned in August 2023: 47).

Many bathing deaths in the Baltic Sea

According to the balance sheet, 30 people drowned in our oceans, 27 in the Baltic Sea alone! DLRG President Ute Vogt: “This is a sad record for this water in our statistics. Compared to the previous year, the number of fatal accidents in the Ostsee doubled. ”

And despite the voluntary commitment of around 6,000 lifeguards on the coast. The helpers were there in time in almost 300 cases, saved bathers from the water.

161 people (2023: 147) died in rivers in Germany, in lakes and ponds 146. Vogt advises: “Rivers, but also all other unusual waters should be avoided as far as possible.”

Older people drown more often

Around 60 percent of the fatalities in which the age is known were older than 55 years. Vogt: “Heat and the jump into the cool water can put a lot of strain on the body and lead to health problems that quickly become life -threatening.” Older people usually have previous illnesses that enlarge the risk.

Throughout Germany, 14 children under the age of ten drowned, eight boys and girls up to five years.

New campaign should remind caution

In the coming months, the DLRG plans to start a nationwide campaign, which in particular should exhort parents to even more caution. Because, according to the experts, children do not only accident Accidents Also pass at home: in the garden pond, in the paddling pool or in the nearby stream. By the end of August, the message is to be shown on over 7000 advertising space in at least 13 major cities.