Tragedy in Kühlungsborn: 80-year-old swimmer drowns in the Baltic Sea

Tragedy in Kühlungsborn: 80-year-old swimmer drowns in the Baltic Sea

Kühlungsborn, Deutschland - A tragic incident occurred in the Baltic Sea near Kühlungsborn. An 80-year-old woman from the region who regularly went swimming died while swimming. According to information from Uckermark Kurier, the woman was seen on Tuesday, at 5:45 p.m. The alarm was triggered when it did not return after about 15 minutes. A related person on the beach had submitted the missing person report.

The emergency services of the water protection police react immediately to the emergency call and started a search. The rescue helicopter discovered the woman's lifeless body around 6:35 p.m., about 80 meters from the coast. Despite immediately initiated resuscitation measures, the woman could not be saved. The criminal police have started the investigation into the exact circumstances of the incident.

a sad start of the season

We have to consider this bathing accident in the context of a worrying trend. The 80-year-old is already the third bathing death this season. A 65-year-old swimmer had an accident on May 15 near the Prerower pier, followed by a 71-year-old vacationer who lost her life on June 15. These fatal incidents are part of a major problem, such as the Baltic Sea Zeitung.

In 2024, the German Life Rettungs Society (DLRG) counted 29 drown people in the waters of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while only 20 deaths were registered in 2023. A terrifying climb that shows how important it is to become aware of the dangers when swimming. The DLRG recorded a total of 411 fatal accidents in waters in Germany in 2023, an increase of 31 compared to the previous year. After three years of rising figures, the 400 mark was exceeded, which suggests DLRG President Ute Vogt to ask for parents of small children, especially to draw attention to the dangers that the summer brings.

swim with careful

Especially in this season, when the water temperatures invite, it is important to be particularly mindful when swimming. The circumstances that led to this tragic incident must be examined closely. The criminal police will take all the necessary steps to bring further information.

The death of the 80-year-old woman reminds us all of how important it is to move consciously and safely in the water. A few minutes carelessness can have fatal consequences, which is why swimming in parked waters should be taken seriously in every respect. We hope that such tragic incidents can be avoided in the future.