Overview

• At least 321 people drowned nationwide by September 15, down 33 from the prior year, according to the DLRG summer bilan.
• Young adults stand out: 45 victims were aged 21 to 30 and, with one exception, all were male, contributing to an 84% male share overall.
• Most fatalities occurred in lakes and ponds (142) and in rivers and streams (116), with 13 deaths in swimming pools and fewer cases at sea.
• Regional patterns diverged as Bavaria recorded the highest toll with 72 deaths and increases were noted in Hamburg, Hesse and Thuringia, while numbers fell in states including North Rhine-Westphalia.
• DLRG regional officials in NRW credit expanded Rhine bathing bans since mid‑August with fewer river incidents, while June’s warm spell produced the month’s highest casualties and lifeguards carried out hundreds of rescues.