Already 20 drowned – avoid accidents: lifeguards on a prevention tour in Badis – News


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In the canton of Zurich, members of the Swiss Life Saving Society promote safe handling in the water.

“The lake smiles, it invites you to swim” – this line from Friedrich Schiller’s “Wilhelm Tell” – also applies to people willing to swim in the seaside resort of Lattenberg in Stäfa. They enjoy the midsummer weather and cooling off in the water. The hot days are also driving people to the water this weekend.

The number of drowned people is stagnating and we can’t bring it down much anymore.

But no matter how good it is to cool down in the pool, river or lake, it is not entirely harmless. According to the Swiss Life Saving Society (SLRG), accidents in the water have increased over the summer days. Around 20 people have drowned in this country since the beginning of the year.

The SLRG finds time to act and is therefore holding a large-scale prevention weekend throughout the canton of Zug to raise awareness of the safe use of water.

I learned how to save someone from drowning with one movement. This was new to me.

In the midst of carefree summer and bathing fun, the members of the Swiss Life Saving Society cavort. They demonstrate the correct rescue handles and let children and adults try them out.

The Swiss waters are so warm

This is new territory for many here. I learned how to save someone from drowning with one movement. That was new to me, »says a pool visitor. A woman says: “It’s always good to refresh these rescue measures.”

More accidents because of more risks

Figures from the Swiss Life Saving Society show that in the last ten years, an average of 46 people have drowned in Switzerland every year. “This number is stagnating and we can’t bring it down much anymore,” says Tanya Randegger from the SLRG.

The current prevention campaigns are good and help to reach many people. But: “More and more people are going to the water and experiencing great moments there. In doing so, they also take greater risks, because there are more options than before,” explains Randegger.

The six bathing rules of the SLRG


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  1. Only allow children to go to the water with supervision! Supervise small children within reach.
  2. Never go in the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs! Never swim with a full or completely empty stomach.
  3. Never jump into the water when you are overheated! The body needs time to adapt.
  4. Do not jump into murky or unfamiliar waters! The unknown can harbor dangers.
  5. Air mattresses and swimming aids do not belong in deep water! They offer no security.
  6. Never swim long distances alone! Even the best-trained body can suffer weakness.

It is frustrating that most accidents in the water can be easily avoided: “There are six bathing rules, among other things, you should not leave small children unattended and not jump into the water when they are hot.”

Despite clear bathing rules: accident prevention remains a mammoth task.

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