Lower Mortality Rate for DLRG in 2024 Compared to Previous Year
In the Baltic seaside resort of Travemünde, Ute Vogt, the president of the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG), made an important announcement. The number of bathing accident deaths in Germany has decreased in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Approximately 5,500 volunteers from the DLRG are on duty at the approximately 100 supervised bathing spots on the North and Baltic Seas during the summer season. The association's efforts, along with increased awareness and caution among bathers, seem to have contributed to this positive trend.
Despite the overall decrease, rivers remain the most dangerous bodies of water for bathers in Germany, with 85 deaths in the first seven months of 2025. Lakes are the second most dangerous, claiming 87 lives in the same period. Nine people died in swimming pools during the same timeframe.
In total, at least 236 people died in bathing accidents from January to July 2025. However, this is 16 fewer deaths than in the same period in 2024.
Bavaria had the most bathing deaths by the end of July, with 48, an increase of 13 people compared to the same period last year. There was also an increase in bathing deaths in Hesse (+4) and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (+3) in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
One concerning statistic is the increase in deaths among children under ten years old. There was one more death in this age group in the first seven months of 2025 than in the same period last year.
The president of the German Lifesaving Association, Ute Vogt, stated that bathing and swimming are particularly safe where they are supervised by lifeguards. She emphasised the importance of vigilance and safety measures, especially during the summer season.
One factor contributing to the decrease in bathing accident deaths in Germany in the first seven months of 2025 could be the rainy July. Wet weather often deters people from visiting bodies of water, reducing the number of potential accidents.
However, it's important to note that there are no available search results specifically reporting on the number of bathing accident deaths in Germany for the years 2024 and 2025 or which regions within Germany have seen an increase in such incidents. For precise statistics, it's recommended to consult official German public health or safety authorities, such as the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) or regional police safety reports, which might publish updated accident statistics.
In the sea, there were 10 deaths in the first seven months of 2025 (compared to 13 in 2024), all occurring in the Baltic Sea. This decrease in sea-related deaths is a positive sign, indicating improved safety measures and public awareness.
As we move forward, it's crucial to continue promoting water safety and vigilance to ensure that the downward trend in bathing accident deaths continues.
The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) has reported a decrease in bathing accident deaths in Germany, with 236 deaths from January to July 2025 - 16 fewer than in the same period in 2024. To further enhance health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise among the population, the association could expand its services to include science-based health education and promote water safety, especially at supervised bathing spots.
