Many deadly swimming accidents on the heat weekend

Last weekend, at least 15 people drowned

07/22/2014

In the heat of the past weekend, many people sought cooling off the water. The German Life Rescue Society (DLRG) recorded in the episode several bathing accidents, including fatal 15. Much of the casualties were men.

In general, the group of over 60-year-old men is particularly often the victim of a bathing accident, as the heat and the significantly lower water temperatures are an increased burden on their body, said DLRG spokesman Martin Janssen told the news agency „dpa“.Here would be „Carelessness coupled with a weakened cardiovascular system often leads to heart failure, cramping or rapid fatigue“ to lead. The result is more deadly accidents involving the elderly. But even young men between the ages of 15 and 28 are significantly more at risk than girls or young women of the same age, according to the DLRG. They are often the increased risk-taking fatal. For example „They jump from branches and bridges without knowing how deep the waters are. This often ends tragically“, so Janssen.

Note swimming rules
Of the 15 people who drowned last weekend, according to the DLRG „13 people men, two were female.“ The fatal accidents have occurred spread over the entire Federal Republic, „from Rügen in the northeast to Überlingen on Lake Constance“, the DLRG continues to report. In order to avoid unnecessary risks, according to the experts according to various bathing rules, such as the proper cooling or the absence of bathing immediately after eating, should be observed. The DLRG also recommends to be informed about possible dangers at the bathing areas and ideally not to go swimming alone. The Wasserwacht of the German Red Cross (DRK Wasserwacht) mentions as further bathing regulations: „Do not swim by water plants, near moving boats, on bridges, groynes or technical equipment“ and „do not jump into the unknown, so for example not from bridges or rocks in cloudy waters.“ Even under the influence of alcohol, it is necessary to refrain from bathing.

21 people saved from drowning
During the past weekend, DLRG lifeguards have rescued 21 people from drowning, including many children. Particularly many missions were needed on the beaches of the Baltic Sea, where 14 men and two women had to be rescued from the water. Not infrequently, the lifeguards put themselves in the rescue attempts themselves considerable risks. It is therefore all the more important to exclude any avoidable risks so as not to endanger anyone unnecessarily. Compliance with the bathing rules is therefore mandatory for all swimmers. (Fp)