BERLIN, March 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 417 people were drowned in Germany in 2019, a drop of 17.3 percent compared to the previous year, the German life-saving society (DLRG) announced on Thursday.
As in the previous years, a large majority of such accidents in Germany took place in inland waters, leading to at least 362 casualties, according to the data by DLRG which has around 1.8 million members and sponsors.
"Rivers, lakes or canals are still the greatest sources of danger", said DLRG President Achim Haag.
Only a few rivers, lakes or canals were guarded by lifeguards. "The risk of drowning there is therefore many times higher than on coasts or in swimming pools," warned Haag.
The association criticized communities and regional governments in Germany of not doing enough for the safety of people in and around water. Many unguarded dangerous spots would require the expertise and the employment of lifeguards. Enditem
