Several dozen deaths every year Overconfidence can be fatal when swimming in lakes and rivers
Swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers is refreshing in warm temperatures - but it can also be dangerous. Men in particular underestimate this and disregard vital rules of conduct.
The drowning statistics from the Swiss Life Saving Association (SLRG) show that 63 people died while swimming in 2022, most of them in lakes and rivers. This is almost 40% higher than the long-term average of 46 fatalities. No conclusive statements can yet be made about the current season.
What is striking is that a good 95% of the cases occurred in open waters, and a very large proportion of the victims are male (81%).
The SLRG has been working for years to reduce drowning deaths with various measures and campaigns such as "Save your Friends" or with swimming and river rules boards at popular swimming spots. The SLRG is convinced that most water accidents could be avoided. The organization therefore recommends adhering to the bathing and river rules.
General bathing rules
- Only let children into the water if accompanied, supervise small children within easy reach.
- Never go into the water under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Never jump into the water overheated.
- Never enter the water on a full or empty stomach.
- Never jump into murky or unfamiliar waters.
- Do not enter deep water with air mattresses or buoyancy aids.
- Never swim long distances alone.
- Swimming should be taboo if you have a cold or other infection. Otherwise there is an increased risk of overexerting the body and causing the cardiovascular system to fail.
Rules for behavior on rivers
- Equip inflatable boats with life jackets.
- Do not exceed the payload indicated on the boat.
- Do not tie boats together, as they will no longer be maneuverable.
- Explore unfamiliar stretches of river before setting off.
- Only good swimmers should swim in open water.
- Swimming in cold water can lead to muscle cramps.
Do wet clothes drag you into the depths?
But what happens if you unexpectedly fall into the water with your clothes on? How should you react?
Clothes actually increase resistance when swimming. You need more strength and progress is slow. However, it is a misconception that wet clothes pull a person further into the water. On the contrary: clothes can actually give you a boost. They also provide the necessary warmth in cold waters.
This is what you should do: Only make small swimming movements and lie on your back to save energy.
Why is it difficult to rescue a drowning person?
When people are in distress in the water, they often panic: they thrash around and try to hold on to something. It is difficult for non-professionals to pull a drowning person out of the water and free themselves from the often very tight grip. This is exactly what lifeguards learn in their training. In addition, the water can harbor dangers that cannot be seen from the shore.
This is what you should do: Get help and throw buoyancy aids or other objects for the person in the water to hold on to.
What should you do if you lose strength while swimming?
The current is too strong or you have started the return journey to the shore too late. While swimming, you notice that your strength is waning. What should you do now?
This is what you should do: shout loudly for help and adopt the floating position or the frog position.
In the floating position, those affected lie flat on their back. The back of the head should be immersed in the water up to the ears and the chin should be pulled slightly towards the chest.
In the frog position, the swimmer lies relaxed in a prone position on the water. The face is in the water and you should breathe calmly and slowly into the water as you exhale. The mouth is only lifted briefly above the surface of the water when inhaling.
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