Overview

• 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.