In the past ten years, an average of 86 inhabitants died in the Netherlands every year due to unintentional drowning. Almost half of them (45 percent) are 60 years or older, 8 percent younger than 10 years. 74 percent of these types of drownings occurred in open water, such as a river, ditch, lake or sea. 20 percent of the drownings happened in and around the house, for example in the bath. More than half of the drownings were caused by a fall into the water. Drowning is most common among people aged 60 or older.
Fewer drownings, ‘but still more swimming skills needed’
