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Berlin / Lehmen (dpa / lrs) - The number of bathing deaths in Rhineland-Palatinate has risen: Last year, a total of 16 people were killed in bathing accidents, seven more than in 2019, as the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) said on Tuesday announced in Berlin.
At that time, however, the number of bathing deaths was nine, the lowest value in Rhineland-Palatinate since statistical records began more than two decades ago.
According to the DLRG, six people died in rivers, nine in lakes and ponds and one person in an unspecified body of water in 2020.
All of the victims were male.
The age group between 16 and 20 years with five bathing deaths was most affected.
15 people perished in Rhineland-Palatinate waters between May and September.
A man drowned in January.
Rhineland-Palatinate is contrary to the national trend: a total of 378 people died in Germany in 2020.
In the previous year, the number of bathing deaths was 417.
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With a view to the Corona year 2020, DLRG President Achim Haag pointed out on Tuesday that fewer young people learned to swim in the past year.
However, this development had already started earlier.
Efforts would have to be significantly intensified in order to renovate ailing bathrooms and ensure schooling, according to Haag.
According to the DLRG, decreasing swimming skills in children is one of the causes of fatal swimming accidents.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210309-99-750154 / 2
DLRG regional association Rhineland-Palatinate