In 2018, when it was a record hot summer, 135 people died in drowning accidents.
During years when the summers were not quite as hot, as last year and the year before, the number of fatalities in drowning accidents was 97 and 77, respectively, according to the Swedish Lifesaving Society’s statistics.
Several accidents this weekend
During the past midsummer weekend, the weather has been record warm. And then immediately the number of drowning incidents around the country also increased. At least four people have died. An elderly man died in Vaxholm on Sunday.
– Observers from land saw some calling for help. Later we received confirmation that a person, an elderly gentleman, had fallen overboard, says Laila Kärrhage, rescue leader at the Sea and Air Rescue Center, to TT.
On Sunday, an elderly man also died in Olofström. A man in his 65s in Åsele died earlier this weekend. And on Thursday, a man in his 40s died in a drowning accident in Hudiksvall municipality.
Lifesaving Society: Put away your mobile phone
Louise Brädde at the Swedish Lifesaving Society is not surprised that drowning accidents increase as the heat rises. She encourages everyone to test their swimming skills every year, as it is a fresh product. But also to keep an eye on each other.
– Put the phone away. We see an increase in people sitting with their mobile phones on the beach instead of being with those you are swimming with.