Swimming accident in Lake Dobbertiner: 73-year-old dies tragically in the water

Swimming accident in Lake Dobbertiner: 73-year-old dies tragically in the water

On July 10, 2025, the community around Lake Dobbertiner experienced a tragic swimming accident that moved people's minds. A 73-year-old man was reported missing around 7:45 p.m. after failing to return during a swim. This led to a comprehensive rescue operation involving numerous emergency services. Unfortunately, after a few hours the man was rescued dead from the water Baltic Sea newspaper reported.

The organized rescue operation included fire departments from Dobbertin and neighboring towns such as Goldberg and Mestlin. The DLRG Zarrentin was also on site with divers, while the rescue service as well as the police from Plau am See and the water police from Schwerin provided support. A police helicopter monitored the search operations from the air. A pastor looked after the widow of the deceased, which is always of great importance in such difficult times.

Increase in swimming accidents

The tragedy at Lake Dobbertiner is part of a worrying trend that is alarming the German Life Saving Society (DLRG). Last weekend there were at least 15 fatal swimming accidents across Germany star reported. This weekend marked the deadliest this year and may have been one of the worst in the last decade.

DLRG spokesman Martin Holzhause emphasized that the number of swimming accidents could continue to rise due to heat waves and the effects of climate change. The conditions are particularly dangerous on hot days. The DLRG statistics also indicate a worrying increase in the number of drownings: in 2023, at least 411 people drowned in Germany - 31 more than in the previous year. After years of decline, the 400 mark was exceeded again for the first time since 2019. Holzhause is therefore calling for guarded seaside resorts to be expanded nationwide.

Prevention is important

The DLRG plans to raise awareness of the dangers of bathing in the coming months, especially for parents of small children. The hope is to make people aware of the risks and prevent tragic incidents. The shock over the incident at Dobbertiner Lake is leading to renewed consideration of safer bathing conditions and the necessary protection for swimmers.

In summary, such tragic events remind us all of the importance of safety and vigilance when swimming. The current situation requires urgent action and awareness to prevent future dramas.