Swim Safe: DLRG Annual Report Shows a Drop in Rescues in Saxony-Anhalt but a National Increase in Drowning Incidents
Rescue Operation in Saxony-Anhalt:DLRG Successfully Saves 15 Individuals from Drowning Mishaps - Life-saving action in Saxony-Anhalt: DLRG aids 15 individuals from water peril
Get ready for some chilling stats! This year, the DLRG - German Lifeguard Association - only managed to save 15 people from drowning in Saxony-Anhalt. That's a steep decline from the 29 they rescued the year before. But don't worry, they're still working hard nationwide, with volunteers saving 1,446 people from life-threatening water situations.
Last year, there were 961 active lifeguards in Saxony-Anhalt, out of a total of 4,686 members in the state. Across Germany, over 54,000 volunteers provided around 2.6 million hours of water safety duty at various waterways and swimming pools.
Now, hold onto your hats, because things are about to get a bit grim. In 2024, sad news hit Saxony-Anhalt as 16 people died in drowning incidents, the same number as the previous year. But here's where it gets interesting: while 2023 primarily affected people aged 31 to 40, 2024 predominantly involved older individuals. Over half of the victims were over 60 years old.
Now, let's take a look at the bigger picture. Other federal states had significantly higher numbers: for example, around 243 people were rescued from the water in Baden-Württemberg last year. Why the difference? The DLRG attributes this to varying strength of lifesaving activities in local groups and varying membership numbers across federal states.
But fear not, swimming aficionados! With awareness and caution, we can all enjoy the fun that water has to offer. And remember, the DLRG always has your back!
- DLRG
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Swimming Safety
In light of the increasing drowning incidents nationwide, the DLRG suggests implementing a community policy that emphasizes swimming safety, especially considering the recent trend of older individuals being affected. Furthermore, to reduce these figures, the DLRG encourages vocational training for their volunteers, focusing on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and water safety, in order to improve their lifesaving abilities.
