Overview

• Last year 411 people drowned in Germany, up from 299 in 2021, marking a continued rise in water-related deaths.
• About half of fourth graders cannot swim confidently, increasing risks during outings to lakes and rivers.
• A national deficit of more than 3,000 certified lifeguards is straining safety precautions at public pools.
• Roughly 50 percent of Germany’s public pools need major renovations and one in seven may close within three years without investment.
• Die Linke and Bäderallianz Deutschland are urging at least €1 billion annually to modernize pools and achieve swim proficiency for children born in 2026 by age ten.