DLRG Yearly Report: DLRG Saves 15 Lives in Saxony-Anhalt from Near-Drowning Incidents
Rescue operation carried out by DLRG in Saxony-Anhalt as they save 15 individuals from near-drowning incidents. - Life-saving team DLRG saves 15 individuals from near-drowning incidents in Saxony-Anhalt
Looking back at the previous year, lifeguards from the German Life-Saving Association, or the DLRG, managed to save 15 souls drowning in Saxony-Anhalt. This was revealed in the organization's annual report, showcasing a significant drop from the 29 lives saved the year before. With 961 active lifeguards on duty, the DLRG's 4,686 members in the state pooled their efforts to make a difference.
Across the nation, the lives of 1,446 individuals were saved from perilous water situations— the highest number in decades. The impressive work of more than 54,000 volunteers totalling 2.6 million hours of water safety duty at waterways and swimming pools together made a profound impact.
Unfortunately, the tale takes a somber turn as fatal drownings continue to lurk, most notably affecting the older population. Data from earlier years indicate that 16 unfortunate souls drowned in Saxony-Anhalt in 2024, mirroring the toll from the previous year. However, an intriguing shift reveals that those aged between 31 and 40 were the main victims in 2023, in contrast to 2024 where older individuals, many above 60, accounted for over half of the drowning victims. This trend might be due to the body's inability to cope with the strain of heat and sudden immersion in cold water, often causing health complications that can escalate into life-threatening situations.
Although the numbers paint a grim picture for Saxony-Anhalt, other federal states have seen higher incidents—for example, approximately 243 lives were saved in Baden-Württemberg last year. The DLRG attributes this disparity to the varying strength of lifesaving activities within local groups and differing membership numbers across federal states.
- DLRG
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Water Safety
- Geriatric Drowning Risk
In an endeavor to enhance water safety in Saxony-Anhalt, the DLRG plans to discuss a community policy addressing the increased geriatric drowning risk. Furthermore, vocational training programs focusing on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and water safety could be introduced to equip members with the necessary skills to cater to the diverse population.
