Drowning Deaths in Germany Rose Sharply in 2024, Reports DLRG

The German Life Saving Association reported over 400 drowning fatalities nationwide last year, with unguarded inland waters posing the greatest risk.

The Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft (DLRG) reported 411 drowning deaths in Germany in 2024, marking a significant increase from 2023's total of 378 fatalities.
Inland waters, particularly unmonitored lakes, rivers, and ponds, were the most dangerous locations, accounting for the majority of incidents.
Over two-thirds of drowning victims were men, with risk factors including overconfidence, exhaustion, and alcohol consumption.
The summer months, especially August, saw the highest number of incidents, attributed to extreme heat and underestimated water hazards.
The DLRG emphasized the importance of supervised swimming areas and announced new campaigns to address the growing number of non-swimmers and prevent child drownings.