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07/12/2026 July 12, 2026 Drowning fatalities hit 23-year high in June Many of the drownings occurred in lakes, like this one in Cologne Image: Christoph
07/12/2026 July 12, 2026 Drowning fatalities hit 23-year high in June Many of the drownings occurred in lakes, like this one in Cologne Image: Christoph Hardt/Panama Pictures/picture alliance At least 99 people drowned in Germany in June, the highest number in 23 years, the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) said on Sunday.
It said most of those who drowned were 30 years old and under, while more than 90% were male. "It is mostly men who take too many risks and underestimate dangers. They also go into the water in a state of intoxication from alcohol or other drugs," DLRG President Ute Vogt said.
Altogether, 55 of the drownings occurred in lakes, with 21 taking place in rivers and six in swimming pools, the sea and canals, respectively. Most of the deaths were in the two states with the highest populations, North Rhine-Westphalia (22) in the west and Bavaria (21) in the south.
Germany, along with much of western Europe, suffered a severe heat wave at the end of June that saw temperatures climb above 40 C (104 F) in several regions.
The BriefWire