Overview

• At least 321 people drowned in German waters by September 15, a decline of 33 from the same period in 2024, including 230 deaths since May.
• Men made up about 84% of victims, and 45 people aged 21 to 30 died, the highest in that age group since 2019 and nearly all male.
• Natural waters were the main risk locations, with 142 deaths in lakes and ponds and 116 in rivers and streams, while 13 occurred in swimming pools.
• June saw the highest monthly toll during a prolonged sunny spell, whereas July and August recorded year-on-year drops of 17% and 16% respectively.
• Regional counts varied: Berlin reported 12 deaths, Brandenburg 20, Saxony 9, Thuringia 6, and Saxony-Anhalt 6, with increases noted in Bavaria, Hamburg and Hesse against declines elsewhere.