Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Lifeguard Chief Faults Distracted Parents After Spike in German Drownings

With interim drowning data due in August, lifeguards say parents must supervise children directly rather than expect professionals to do so.

Image
Gewusel im Freibad: „Für Sicherheit verantwortlich, aber keine Dienstleister, die Kindern hinterherrennen müssen“, sagt BDS-Chef
Ein Kind schwimmt in einem Schwimmbad
Tödliche Badeunfälle häufen sich im Sommer, da Eltern oft unaufmerksam sind und Kindern in Schwimmbädern zu wenig Aufsicht bieten.

Overview

  • The number of drowning deaths in Germany rose from 299 in 2021 to 411 in 2024, including at least 15 fatalities over a single weekend in June.
  • BDS president Peter Harzheim criticized parents for focusing on their smartphones instead of watching their children at swimming sites.
  • Harzheim warned that lifeguards are responsible for overall safety but cannot act as babysitters chasing after unsupervised minors.
  • Reduced school swimming instruction has left around 60 percent of German children unable to swim safely by age ten.
  • DLRG is preparing interim midseason data for August and is calling for increased lifeguard coverage and expanded water-safety education.