299 people drowned in Germany in 2021.

This was announced by the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) at a press conference on Thursday.

Compared to the previous year, the number of deaths fell by 79, which corresponds to a decrease of 20.9 percent.

Overall, this is the lowest number since records began in 2000.

Ute Vogt, president of the association, attributes this to successful educational work and a rather rainy summer.

The summer of the previous year recorded far more accidents.

But the pandemic situation also played its part.

Many swimming pools and indoor pools were therefore repeatedly closed last year.

Unattended locations are particularly dangerous

The circumstances of the accident can be clearly identified.

80 percent of all deaths occurred on unattended lakes and rivers.

Achim Wiese, spokesman for the DLRG, explains that these waters are particularly dangerous.

Their depth and possible abysses cannot be seen from the outside.

Furthermore, strong temperature differences can occur, which the body would first have to process.

Inland rivers are also unpredictable due to currents and shipping traffic.

Wiese finds clear words: "You don't go to the Autobahn with your children to play either."

The safest are the bathing areas that are supervised.

This is why, despite the waves and currents, the German coasts are very safe and well suited for swimming.

"But there are always people who disregard our signalling," says Wiese, "The same applies to the coast as it does on the road: red means stop!

But especially people who keep swimming in one place think: 'I know my way around here'.

They often overestimate themselves."

Overestimating yourself, like drowning in general, seems to be a male problem.

80 percent of the swimmers who died were men.

One particular age group also stands out: the over 55s.

Vogt explains that existing health problems and the associated overestimation of their own abilities play a major role in this group.

The DLRG recommends swimming only in supervised places.

“If you are alone but still want to swim, please do so at least where there are other people.

If necessary, someone can come to your aid.” Especially after a longer swimming break due to Corona, you should start cautiously and not underestimate the dangers.

"Stay close to the shore and avoid unfamiliar waters," advises Vogt.

A more global problem: Swimming ability declining

But the dangers of swimming aren't just due to a lack of caution or unsafe conditions.

The ability of the population to swim is declining, which greatly increases the risk potential.

Wiese complains that 60 percent of the children who come out of elementary schools can no longer swim.

“This is primarily a political problem.

Due to Corona, a complete year didn't have any swimming lessons.

And due to the creeping death of swimming pools, many schools no longer have access to a swimming pool," said the spokesman.

The association is calling on politicians and local authorities to provide access to the remaining pools free of charge.

This is the only way they could fulfill their public mission and teach people to swim.

Vogt remains motivated: "Right now, many people - not just children - are out of practice due to Corona.

So we absolutely have to continue with our educational work.” That everyone can swim remains one of their most important goals.