The friends from Vimmerby saved two people from drowning “Many just sat and watched”

The sisters Elvira, 21, and Josefine Eek, 29, together with their friend Filippa Samuelsson, 27, were on the beach at Nossen in Vimmerby to sunbathe when they suddenly saw people rushing down towards the water with their clothes on.

In the water, two non-swimmers had found themselves in distress.

– It was their friends on the beach who started calling for help, says Josefine Eek.

Elivra, Josefin and Filippa started running down towards the shore.

Hear them recount the dramatic rescue in the clip above.

So many have died in drowning accidents

During 2023, 73 people died in drowning accidents according to the Swedish Lifesaving Society.

From the turn of the year up to and including the month of June, 33 people have so far died, mainly in connection with bathing.

Based on data compiled by the organization, the number of drownings has decreased slightly compared to last year.

10 out of 12 deaths in drowning accidents in the month of June this year 2024 occurred in connection with bathing. Photo: Linnéa Mellbin/SVT

In the video below, lifeguard Maria Montefusco tells you how to recognize that someone needs help and is in distress during a drowning accident.

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“Occurs quietly and moves quickly” – Hear as the lifeguard tells the signs that someone needs help in the event of a drowning. Photo: Claudio Bresciani/TT

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