The number of drownings in Switzerland was slightly down last year - but still above the historical average.
Fifty-eight died in the water in 2023 – the long-term average is forty-seven.
The figures are from the Swiss Lifesaving Society.
Most of the deaths were young men and children.
Seventeen people aged between 16 and 32 died – all male. It’s thought a higher degree of risk taking is to blame.
Seven children died – four of those under ten. One baby, included in the statistics, died in a bucket of water at the family home.
At the other end of the age spectrum, twelve people over 65 lost their lives. Two of those were trying to save their dog.
Most drownings are in rivers and lakes. There’s a correlation between the number of deaths and hot weather. August last year was quite wet. It’s thought that lowered the annual figure.
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