Multiple casualties reported in Berlin due to drowning incidents - Unfortunate loss of a dozen lives in Berlin due to drowning incidents while bathing.
In the serene waters of Berlin's Schlachtensee, a concerning trend has emerged. According to the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG), drowning incidents are on the rise, particularly among men and older adults.
The DLRG's data from 2025 reveals that 84% of drowning victims in natural water bodies like rivers and lakes are men, with a significant number being people over the age of 70. In the region of Saxony, seven drowning deaths occurred in the first seven months of 2025, with most victims either older adults or men.
Neiße, a local resident, believes that more warning signs and fencing off areas at swimming spots would not solve the problem, as they would likely be ignored or bypassed. Instead, the focus should be on educating swimmers about the dangers of natural water bodies and promoting safe practices.
Rivers and lakes present specific dangers compared to controlled swimming pools. These include strong currents, cold water temperature, sudden drop-offs, hidden underwater hazards, and variable weather, all of which can overwhelm swimmers. Young men, in particular, are prone to taking risks while swimming and ignoring safety rules, increasing their drowning risk. Older adults may face additional risks due to health vulnerabilities and diminished swimming ability.
The DLRG focuses heavily on teaching swimming, self-rescue, and educating the public about the dangers of swimming in natural waters. Lack of swimming skills and failure to recognize or respect environmental hazards are key contributors to drowning.
Seasonality also plays a role in drowning incidents. Most deaths in Saxony occurred in March, suggesting drowning risk can be linked to cold water temperature or changing weather conditions which affect swimming safety.
When DLRG lifeguard stations are not staffed, swimmers must exercise even greater caution, similar to an unguarded beach. The DLRG lifeguard stations are only staffed from May to September, on weekends, and public holidays.
It's crucial for all swimmers, particularly men and older adults, to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions when swimming in natural water bodies like Schlachtensee. Non-swimmers are also at risk of drowning due to careless behavior. By educating ourselves and respecting the environment, we can help reduce the number of drowning incidents at our beloved local swimming spots.
- To address the rising drowning incidents among men and older adults in natural water bodies, the community should advocate for greater emphasis on vocational training in health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health, as these areas can enhance overall physical and mental well-being, potentially decreasing the number of drowning victims.
- In addition to the DLRG's training programs on swimming, self-rescue, and environmental safety, it would be beneficial to incorporate science-backed education on nutrition to ensure swimmers have the energy and strength to navigate the hazards present in rivers and lakes, thereby reducing the risk of drowning.
- As awareness of the risks associated with swimming in natural water bodies grows, it's important for community members to create and adhere to policies that promote safe practices for all, fostering a healthier and safer environment for all swimmers, whether young or old.
